NUTS
Following The Spanish Food Code, the nuts are those fruits wich´s edible part has less than 50% water. They have a protective effect against coronary heart disease. They are also a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also constitute an important source of energy. They provide very little carbohydrate and are constituted in part by vegetable fibers so that the body do not absorb them.
1. Almonds (Prunus amygdalus communis)
It belongs to the Rosaceae family. The origin of the almond tree is located in central-western Asia and the Phoenicians and Romans extended its cultivation in the Mediterranean. The fruit of the almond tree is an energy food that contains lots of minerals (phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, etc.), and vitamins (A, E, B1, B2 and PP).
2. Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L)
The origin of the bush is situated in Asia and from there spread to Europe and North America. Hazel is one of the nuts that contain less fat, and is rich in magnesium and copper and has antioxidant properties. Despite the importance of direct consumption, the main market of the hazelnut is the processing industry, such as chocolates, sweets, candies, etc.
3. Walnuts (Junglans Regia, l)
The walnut has its origin in the mountainous areas of Central Asia. Nuts are fatty foods, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with health claims. Its most striking feature is the abundance of linoleic acid, which corresponds to the fatty acids of the Omega 3 series, which gives it heart-healthy properties. They have a high water content, ascorbic acid, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and also this nut is the richest in zinc and copper.
4 Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)
From the botanical point of view is a legume, but its nutritional composition causes to be included among nuts. Therefore it has a special characteristic, it is the only nut that is extracted from underground. Very nutritious and rich in energy, consumption can be iether fryed or roasted, and can also be used in cooking applications such as oil or butter.
5. Pistachios (Pistacia vera)
It is native from west - central Asia (Iran, Afghanistan, etc.).. In Spain was developed by Arab and disappeared with the expulsion of the Moors. Pistachios provide a substantial amount of fiber. Contain a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, so they are an excellent source of protein. Also contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals and folic acid.
6. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)
is a fruit original from the Amazon basin. The Spanish introduced it into Central America and the Philippines and the Portuguese spread it throughout India and Mozambique. The cashew nut is inside a shell similar to a bean and is attached to the tree by a false fruit that is also edible. They are aromatic, rich in minerals and vitamins.
7. Macadamia.(Macadamia intergrifolia)
The macadamia nut is known as the Australian Nut, as these fruits are native to the subtropical coastal areas of Australia. Crops are located in sunny and high rainfall regions. Macadamia nut is a seed with a hard shell, low sodium and saturated fats. Its main nutritional benefits are proteins, carbohydrates and phosphorus, and it is consumed unprocessed, whole, or as the basis for culinary and pastry lines.
8. Sunflower seeds
It is a seed native to North America and was initially cultivated, since 900 BC, as an ornamental, but has now acquired business and economic value. The sunflower seeds are of a great nutritional importance because of its contribution of folic acid, iron and vitamin E. The abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E enhance its flavor and texture and encourage the conservation of the product.
