Varieties and Types of Nuts – Walnuts and Pecans

Popular Nuts Taste, Nutritional Values and Best Storage Methods

Aug 15, 2009 James Clausen

There are many different types and varieties of nuts. What are the nutritional values of walnuts and pecans? Find out the flavor and storage methods of the most common nu

What most people commonly know as nuts, aren’t always nuts in the true definition of a nut. A true nut is a fruit that is both the seed and the fruit. For example cashews and walnuts aren’t truly nuts because they’re extracted from the fruit. For the purpose of this article, the nut will be used in the culinary definition, not the biological definition of a nut.

Most Common Varieties and Types of Nuts

There are literally hundreds of varieties and types of (culinary) nuts. Nuts come in all different sizes, shapes, colors and taste. Nuts are harvested, in one form or another, in almost every country in the world. They are often eaten as a snack by themselves or used in all kinds of dishes for added flavor. Some of the most popular varieties of nuts are walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios and macadamia nuts.

Walnut Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Storage

There are over 20 varieties of walnuts with the Persian walnut being the most common walnut found in the grocery stores. Walnuts are commonly eaten as a snack and used in all kinds of dishes from cakes to salads. The oil derived from walnuts is also used in salad dressing. The meat of the walnut has a soft texture with lots of flavor due to the high fat content.

Walnut Nutritional Value -1 cup, diced

• Walnuts are a good source of protein with18 grams.
• Walnuts are also high in dietary fiber with 8 grams and 765 calories.
• Walnuts are very high in total fat with 76 grams, which is over 100% of the daily value of fat in a 2000-calorie diet. Even though walnuts are high in fat, there’s a good abundance of omega 3 fatty acids, which can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels.
• The significant vitamin amounts in walnuts are B6 with .6 milligrams or 31% of the daily value. Thiamin and Folate have over 20% of the daily value.
• Walnuts are loaded with a large variety of many minerals.

Storing Walnuts

Walnuts typically do not store as well as some other nuts and walnuts in the shell should be stored in a cool dry area. If kept in a cool dry area, they can last up to 3 months. The meat of the walnut can be refrigerated for up to 6 months if tightly sealed and frozen up to 1 year.

Pecan Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Storage

Pecans have a great buttery flavor and can be eaten by themselves or used in various types of cooking. Because of their buttery flavor, pecans are often used in deserts like pecan pie. Pecan trees are very large and can produce for hundreds of years. Pecan shells are hard and the meat can be tough. Toasting or cooking pecans will soften the meat.

Pecans Nutritional Value -1 cup, diced

• Pecans are a good source of protein with 10 grams or 20% of the daily value of 2.000 calories
• Pecans are also high in dietary fiber with 10 grams and 753 calories.
• Pecans are very high in total fat with 78 grams, which is over 100% of the daily value of fat in a 2000-calorie diet. Even though pecans are high in fat, there’s a good abundance of omega 3 fatty acids, which can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels.
• The only significant amount of vitamins in pecans is B6 with .2 milligrams or 11% of the daily value and thiamin with 48% of the daily value.
• Like walnuts, pecans are loaded with a large variety of many minerals.

Storing Pecans

Pecans in the shell can be stored up to 3 months at room temperature. The meat of the walnut can be refrigerated for up to 6 months if tightly sealed and frozen up to 1 year.

Walnuts and Pecans often get a bad rap because of their high amount of fat content, but are actually low in saturated fats. The antioxidants in walnuts and pecans however will actually help to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Instead of eating walnuts and pecans right form the shell, try roasting them next time. Roasting will bring out the nutty flavors of walnuts and pecans.

Source

nutritiondata.com

The copyright of the article Varieties and Types of Nuts – Walnuts and Pecans in Food Trends is owned by James Clausen. Permission to republish Varieties and Types of Nuts – Walnuts and Pecans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Walnuts Taste, Info and Nutritional Value

Pecans Taste, Info and Nutritional Value

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