Nuts

Edible nuts are dry, high-fat, high-protein kernels found inside a hard shell, commonly used as nutrient-dense food, snacks or ingredients. While botanicals define true nuts as single-seeded fruits (eg; hazelnuts, chestnuts), the culinary definition includes drupes (almonds, walnuts) and legumes (peanuts) eaten raw or as oil. Roasted snacks are generally almonds, cashews and pistachios, are commonly eaten as a direct snack. They offer high-energy, unsaturated fats, proteins, dietary minerals and vitamins. They are often labelled heart-healthy and are significant, energy-dense staples.