Nuts Just Nuts

Jordan Almonds: The Nutrition of Almonds With A Candy Coating

Jordan Almonds are everyone all time favorite nut covered in a sugared candy coating. They taste so good with a real almond covered in a thin candy coating to mix just the right blend of flavors. Jordan almonds are festive almonds that you can get in just about any color for any occasion. They are often used as party favors, or in a nut sampler, as everyone seems to love the combination.

Almonds are the perfect nut for nutrition as they contain protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. They are a nutrition packed nut. They are also the leading source of monounsaturated fat which is the good fat that everyone needs. Doctors recommend a small portion of almonds should be included in everyones daily diet.

Jordan almonds make every almond a treat. They can make any event no matter how small seem special. Pick a color themes and place small bowls of nuts, including Jordan almonds, around the room and you have a feeling that this is special. People just nibble, snack and enjoy during the entire event. In fact, people usually end up scouring the room to see if there are any partially filled bowls left so they can enjoy a few more.

You often see Jordan almonds at wedding in white or in the colors that the bride has chosen for her complimentary colors. Or, of course you see them at baby showers in all shades of pink and blue. And don’t forget the holiday season when you can find them in red and green. Set a few around during your holiday gathering and it just adds the perfect finishing touch.

Almonds are so good and so good for you it is hard to find another nut that equals their benefit and flavor. This year as you plan your festivities think about adding some Jordan almonds to the mix and you too, will see just how good they are!

Almonds

Almonds are one most popular and most beneficial nuts to be found. The almond is the “fruit” of a variety of the rose tree. Almonds are in the closely related family of peaches, plums and apricots. The peach like almond fruit consists of the edible seed or pit, the shell and the outer hull. The almond pit, or kernel is the edible portion and it is what makes the tree of commercial value.

The almond tree normally grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet. The wood of the almond tree is harder than that of its cousin the peach and it also has a longer life span. The leaves of the almond tree lance shaped with finely toothed edges and grow on spreading branches with dark grey bark.

Almonds are categorized into two groups, sweet almonds and bitter almonds. The sweet almond is the nut we all are so fond of whereas the bitter almond is oils which is used in flavorings and in cosmetics.

The first plantings of the edible almond in America were made by the Spanish missions near San Diego and Santa Barbara in the late 18th century. The damp coastal conditions were unfavorable and the planting would not take hold. Almonds plants were also made in New England and the Atlantic States and they too would not grow. They eventually were planted in Northern California where there were no spring frosts or damp coastal fogs and the plants thrived in that area of the country. Today, 99% of the almonds grown in the states come from this region of California. Almond trees begin to bear fruit at the age of 3 to 4 years and reach heavy commercial production around the age of 7.

Almonds are harvested mechanically by machines that shake the fruit from the trees with the nuts falling to the ground. A sweeper machine then comes along and picks up the nuts and transported to a huller machine which removes the outside husk. The almonds are then dried and delivered to a packaging company to be shelled, processed and packaged.

Processed almonds are sold by variety, size, and grades. There are several large production companies within the United States and one of these is certainly the processor you find in your local grocery store. Almonds varieties include whole natural, whole blanched, sliced natural, chopped natural and blanched slivered. Today there are also many flavored varieties available with added roasting, toasting and spices. There is a almond for every taste preference and they are served plain and as an ingredient in many a recipe. Almonds taste great and are naturally nutritious. Why not enjoy some of these delicious fruits today!

Delicious Nut and Fruit Relishes

Cherry Mango Cherries Raisins Relish

This is a easy great relish made with a variety of fruits. Enjoy it when fresh cherries are in season and when you a craving something sweet that is delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

1 ripe mango, diced
1 sweet apple, dice
1 cup pitted cherries, cut in half
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 TBSP raspberry vinegar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl , chill and serve (See how easy!)

Easy Apple Relish

This easy recipe includes a variety of apples, dates, apricots, and nuts for a compliment to any savory meal.

Ingredients:

1 large crisp sweet red apple, unpeeled
1 large green apple, unpeeled
2/3 cup sweet concord grape juice
1/3 cup chopped dates
1/3 cup diced dried peaches
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp almond extract

Directions:

Core and finely chop apples. Transfer to a covered mixing bowl and add the rest of ingredients mixing well. Chill and serve.

Cinnamon Fruit and Cranberry Relish

This is a favorite at the Thanksgiving table as it combines the flavors of cranberries, a touch of cinnamon and a few other flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 (12ounce) package of fresh cranberries
3 Crisp apples, unpeeled, cored and quartered
24 pitted dates, cut in half
1 Cup black raisins
1/2 Cup golden raisins
1/2 Cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
3 TBSP maple syrup
1/2 TSP ground cinnamon
2 or 3 persimmons, sliced

Directions:

Combine the cranberries, apples, dates, raisins, and pecans in food processor and chop till fine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the maple syrup and cinnamon, mixing well. Line the sides of clear serving bowl with persimmon slices. Transfer the relish to the bowl, and chill for 12 hours before serving. (Relish will be moist but it will thicken as it chills)

Happy New Year: Chinese Chicken and Cashews

The Chinese invented many wonderful things including astrology. In fact, the Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history. According to Chinese astrology, 2010 is the Year of the Metal Tiger.

The first day of the Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon after the winter solstice which can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February, depending on cyclical lunar conditions.

In 2010, the Chinese New Year starts on February 14. The Year of the Earth Ox will end and the Year of the Metal Tiger will be ushered in. Celebrations will last for 15 days, until the full moon arrives and the Lantern Festival takes place.

Chinese recipes often include cashews, almonds, peanuts or macadamia nuts for their crunchy texture and wonderful nutty flavor. Below are 4 recipes, each featuring a different kind of nut used in Chinese cuisine. (more…)

Cracking that Shell

To insure the freshest nuts whenever possible purchase nuts in their shells. It is even better if you can purchase them directly from an orchard.

Now that you have fresh nuts still in their shells just how do you crack these shells to get the most nut meat possible in the process? Nuts, depending on the type, have different difficulty levels for cracking the shells. Here are some nuts and the best way to crack the shell and get to the meat.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts have a extremely tough shell. They are extremely difficult to crack. If you just try to use the traditional nut cracker utensil you may crack the shell but the nutmeat will stick to the shell. When you try to pull the meat from the shell one often ends up with just a mess and the nut meat sticking tightly to the shell.

There are, however, two methods that will make the job easier. The first method is to drop them into a pot of boiling water and boil for two to three minutes. Drain the nuts, let them cool, and then use the nutcracker. The second method is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the Brazil nuts in a shallow baking pan in and single layer and roast them for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool and then use nutcracker.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are a unique species as they are considered a chore to shell. The following are 3 ways to tackle the task:

1). Using a paring knife, make a crisscross cut on both the flat side and domed side of each chestnut. Place chestnuts in a large saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water, Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Once boiling lower the heat and boil gently for 20 minutes. Remove 2 or 3 chestnuts at a time and let them cool just slightly. Peal each chestnut starting at the crisscross with a pulling motion being careful that you also remove the brown inner skin. Think of the task as a type of tug of war with a little nut. Chestnuts peel best when hot and if they are too tough to get the shell and skin off reboil for a few more minutes.

2). Using a paring knife make the crisscoss scores as directed above. Soak the chestnuts for 20 minutes. Place the chestnuts onto a baking sheet and roast them at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly and peel starting at the crisscross marks.

3). Using a parking knife make the crisscross scores on the flat side only. Place in a large skillet with a small amount of oil. Turn the burner on high and cook chestnuts for 5 to 10 minutes, tossing the chestnuts continuously with a wooden spoon and shaking the pan to prevent burning.

Macadamias

Although macadamias are rarely found in the shell but if you do get them in the shell they are a difficult to crack. For macadamias a strike with a hammer or use a very heavy duty professional nutcracker utensil.

Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans and Walnuts

A simple nutcracker or fancy nutcracker will do the trick. These types of nuts are often displayed in a bowl with a nutcracker and cracked one at a time to be enjoyed.

Pistachios

Pistachios are often partially opened and can easily be pulled apart by hand. Pistachios that are completely closed can be tapped with a hammer or pried open with a pliers.

Peanuts

Peanuts are easily shelled by hand. Just hold the peanut with the fingers of both hand and apply a twisting motion while squeezing the peanut. Voila the shell breaks and the peanuts are easily removed.

Some varieties of nuts can be purchased in the shell. Pick your favorite variety and crack away on a daily basis.

Nuts Just Nuts

Jordan Almonds: The Nutrition of Almonds With A Candy Coating

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Almonds

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Delicious Nut and Fruit Relishes

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Happy New Year: Chinese Chicken and Cashews

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Cracking that Shell

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Nuts Just Nuts

Jordan Almonds: The Nutrition of Almonds With A Candy Coating

Related Reading:

Almonds

Related Reading:

Delicious Nut and Fruit Relishes

Related Reading:

Happy New Year: Chinese Chicken and Cashews

Related Reading:

Cracking that Shell

Related Reading:

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