Nut Facts

Did you know you never see cashews sold in their shells.  Why? Because the nut is surrounded by a double shell that contains a caustic phenolic resin, urushiol, a potent skin irritant and toxin also found in poison ivy[vi].

However, cashew nuts are always the winning party nut  and with good reason – they are full of flavour and taste and provide us with a source of magnesium which is  needed for strong bones.

Macadamias – great for us but not for our canine companions be careful to keep dogs at a safe distance – macadamias may cause muscle weakness.

“Pecan" is apparently from the native North American Algonquin word meaning "a tough nut to crack” - best to use a nut cracker!

With that recognisable green colour pistachios are the only edible nuts that don’t need to be shelled before roasting. Related to the almond, peach and nectarine family – or drupes - pistachios are split down the middle. They’re rich in protein for active bodies and contain the antioxidant Vitamin E. Split 60 pistachios for an average serve of 30g.

Walnuts are believed to have been cultivated more than 4000 years ago, but fossilised shells have been found dating back 8000 years. While ancient in name, walnuts are essential for health. They contain the highest source of natural plant omega 3s called alphalinoleic acid – ALA . Some people believe that walnuts are a good brain food indeed shelled they actually look like a brain! 10 whole walnuts is considered an average serve.