Huge List of the 20 Different Types of Nuts You Can Eat and Cook With (Photos) (2023)

Our ultimate nut guide explains where they grow, nutrition facts, including images, and more.

Quicklist: Types of Nuts and Seeds

1. Cashews
2. Peanuts
3. Macadamia Nuts
4. Hazelnuts
5. Pecans
6. Almonds
7. Pistachios
8. Brazil Nuts
9. Walnuts
10. Chestnuts
11. Sunflower Seeds
12. Kola Nuts
13. Pumpkin Seeds
14. Flax Seeds
15. Cacao
16. Cedar Nuts
17. Pine Nuts
18. Acorns
19. Coconut
20. Ginkgo nuts

I’m nuts about nuts. I eat them daily. My favorite is the cashew, but peanuts are also a personal preference. Yes, I know, peanuts are technically a legume, but we’ve included them here because they’re often considered a nut.

For our casual readers looking for a healthy snack alternative, you might be asking, “What exactly is a nut?”. Nuts are scientifically considered fruit. They evolved a hard shell to protect the seed that’s inside.

I’m also wild about various nut butters including peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, tahini and sunflower butter. We cook with these butters as well as eat them with apples or on bread.

Our extensive look at everything nuts includes photos of their growing environment, information charts and nutrition facts.

Types of Edible Nuts (and some seeds)

Related:Brazil Nuts | Peanuts | Pine Nuts | Roasted Chestnuts | Types of Mayonnaise | Macadamia Nuts

1. Cashews

Cashews are grown primarily in the wet and dry tropics: native to Brazil and Venezuela, Portuguese colonists exported plants to India, Southeast Asia and Africa in the 16th century.

The nuts grow on trees as part of the cashew fruit. Cashews require special care to prepare for eating as its outermost shell is full of a caustic liquid that can cause severe burns if placed in direct contact with the skin.

There are multiple ways to extract the tasty nut without getting the juice on you. They can be frozen and then separated from the shell with gloves or they can also be roasted on oil to separate the nut from the shell. Cashews are used in a variety of ways, due to their benefits as an antioxidant. They are also rich in magnesium, which helps with joint flexibility.

2. Peanuts

Peanuts are grown in the warm climates of Asia, North America, South America, Africa and Australia. Native to South America, where a wild form grows in Argentina and Bolivia, the plant was spread worldwide trough European colonization.

The peanut actually grows below ground, contrary to popular belief. The plant flowers above ground, and the peanuts grow under the soil. To prepare peanuts for consumption, they should be harvested and washed, and left to dry in the sun.

They can be shelled at the time of harvesting, or the shell left on to be removed later. Once shelled, they are ready to eat. Some people prefer roasting them or boiling them and adding seasoning for flavor.

Peanuts are a staple in the diets of many cultures, including the satay peanut sauces of Indonesia and Thailand, where they are a major ingredient in signature dishes. Salty, roasted peanuts are an essential street food item in India.

One of the most well-known uses of peanuts is peanut butter, which was first introduced in North America in the late 19th century. They are also commonly found in their whole form in baked goods, granola and trail mix.

3. Macadamia Nuts

Native to Australia, macadamia nuts were first grown commercially in Hawaii in the early 20th century, but they can now also be found in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Hawaii is the world’s leading producer of the rich, buttery nut, followed by Australia and South Africa.

Macadamia nuts are increasingly becoming an essential commodity in South Africa, as well as Kenya, where over the past decade they have become the fastest growing tree crop industry.

They grow in large bushy trees that may take five years to begin producing nuts. In terms of preparation, the nuts should be shelled within 24 hours of harvest to prevent mildew. Macadamia nuts are a good source of Vitamin A, protein, and iron, among other minerals.

One of the most famous recipes is for macadamia nut cookies. It is also used in granola, fudge, muffins, or in macadamia nut crusted chicken.

4. Hazelnuts

Archeological finds show that hazelnuts were an essential component in hunter-gatherer diets thousands 0f years ago in both Asia and Europe. They are now commonly grown in many parts of the world with 25% of the global supply used by Italian confectioner Ferrero in their Nutella hazelnut spread and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

Hazelnuts are a very hardy plant, and typically grow in medium-sized bushy trees. Once the nuts are picked, they need to begin drying out within 24 hours of harvest. They can be kept for months with the shells left on, but if shelled for human consumption should be used within a few weeks.

Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated oil, as well as vitamins and minerals. They are commonly used in conjunction with chocolate to make desserts, such as chocolate truffles. They are also found in coffee flavoring, and accompanying savory dishes.

5. Pecans

Pecans, the only tree nut indigenous to North America, are commercially grown in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico. Growing wild in groves along the banks of the Mississippi River, or farmed in orchards, the plants can take seven to 10 years to begin producing fruit.

Pecans, of the hickory genus, are frequently harvested by shaking the trees or gathering the nuts from the ground. The nuts will need to be dried for at least two weeks in their shells. Many people prefer to shell and roast them, as well.

Pecans contain monounsaturated fats and are rich in antioxidants. They are essential to southern cooking, including the ubiquitous pecan pie, as well as adding the crunch to chocolate Turtles.

6. Almonds

Native to Iran and the eastern Mediterranean, almond trees have been cultivated for thousands of years. The majority of the world’s almonds are now grown in California with Spain, Iran and Morocco also producing significant crops.

Almond drupes are grown on trees similarly to pecans and walnuts. While you can eat an almond fresh from the tree, its best to let them dry out for at least two weeks first to maximize flavor and minimize mold on the almond.

After drying they can be shelled and eaten. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, protein and vitamins. They are useful in dishes such as almond-crusted chicken, in salads, and in cereals.

7. Pistachios

Pistachio trees are hardy plants native to the desert regions of Central Asia, including Iran and Afghanistan. In the United States they are primarily grown in California, Arizona and New Mexico.

While pistachios can be eaten raw and washed, they can also be roasted and salted. High in protein, fiber, and vitamins pistachios are star ingredients in dishes such as spumoni, baklava and kulfi. California’s Táche has recently begun marketing Pistachio Milk as a plant-based alternative to dairy.

8. Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts grow on large trees in the Amazon rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru. The trees can take almost two decades to produce fruit which has hindered commercial domestication.

Exporting still depends on an indigenous economy of traditional communities collecting nuts after they have fallen from the trees, which helps support the tribes and sustain the rainforest.

Brazil nuts can be eaten raw or blanched, however they have a hard shell that needs cracked to get to the edible seed. They are a great source of protein, vitamins, selenium, niacin, calcium and iron. South Americans find many uses for the nuts in their cooking, including sauces, desserts, sorbets and smoothies.

9. Walnuts

Greeks, Romans and Persians all cultivated walnut trees. The two most common species originated in Persia and eastern North America (black walnut), respectively. The trees can grow over 100 feet tall and establish deep root systems.

Walnuts can be eaten raw, or roasted and seasoned. Rich in antioxidants and Omega-3s, they are very popular in Central Asian and Mediterranean dishes. In Persian cuisine they have often been combined with pomegranates as a contrasting ingredient. Specific indigenous American tribes have traditionally used black walnuts extensively in their food and for other purposes.

10. Chestnuts

Chestnuts have been a major source of nutrition for many cultures over thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans cultivated wide-spreading chestnut trees that originated around the Caucasus region of the Black Sea. In Turkey there are trees today that are over 1,000 years old.

Up until the beginning of the 20th century there were four main species of chestnuts: European, American, Chinese and Japanese. The American species completely disappeared when a chestnut blight, introduced in 1904, destroyed “the giants of the Appalachian hardwood forests” (3.5 billions of trees on millions of acres) over a 40-year period.

Chestnuts, which must be cooked before eating, are a good source of many vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals.

11. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds come from a sunflower, a flower native to North America. They can also be found in the Ukraine and Russia. When the sunflower seeds are ready to harvest, allow the seeds up to 4 days to dry out and fall off of the sunflower head. They can then shelled and eaten as is, or they can be roasted.

Sunflower seeds are frequently eaten as a stand-alone snack. They can also be added to salads or as yogurt topping.

12. Kola Nuts

Kola nuts are the fruit of the kola tree, which is native to rainforest climates, especially in Africa. The kola trees are about 20 meters high, and the kola seeds develop inside of the kola fruit. Kola nuts contain caffeine, and are used as a flavoring agent in beverages. It is frequently chewed in West African cultures for the caffeine and flavor.

13. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are found in the pumpkin plant in China, India, Ukraine, the United States, Egypt, and Mexico. Pumpkin plants are an edible plant, similar to squash, that are also grown for livestock food or to be ornamental. To prepare pumpkin seeds for eating, they first need to be gathered from the pumpkin meat and washed off.

They can be eaten raw or roasted. Pumpkin seeds are frequently consumed as a snack. They are high in fats, and commonly used in butter and oils. Pumpkin seeds are also commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

14. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds come from the flax plant, which is a flowering plant that reaches about 2 feet tall. It is commonly found in Canada, Russia, and Europe. To prepare flax seeds for consumption, they need to be washed thoroughly and dried. While it is possible to eat them raw and whole, they are easier digested if they are ground up.

Flax seeds are commonly made into oils. They are commonly known for their health benefits, are a frequently an integrated ingredient in diet plans for weight loss. It is also commonly used in rice dishes and curry in India.

15. Cacao

Cacao seeds come from an evergreen tree. They grow in the lowland rain forests in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in western Africa and tropical areas of Asia. The seeds are referred to as cocoa beans. The cocoa bean pods are harvested when ripe, and the damp seeds extracted after drying for 10 days.

They are then fermented and dried additionally before they are ready for consumption. The cocoa beans are not generally eaten as a stand alone snack, however, and are instead used in other recipes, such as used in chocolate products as well as cosmetic products.

16. Cedar Nuts (a type of pine nut)

Cedar nuts are the nuts of the Siberian cedar pine tree and are hence a type of pine nut. They are grown in Siberia and the Russian Far East. These types of nuts are able to be eaten raw or roasted.

Cedar nuts are good for the immune system, and high in fats, protein, and other vitamins. Regarding recipes, these nuts are generally eaten plain, but can be incorporated into salads and savory beef dishes.

17. Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are produced in Europe, North America and Korea. They are produced by multiple species of pine trees, providing some small variations in taste. Many of these nuts come from the stone pine tree. To prepare pine nuts for consumption, they are usually dried out and roasted.

They are sometimes eaten raw for their buttery taste. Pine nuts can be eaten as a snack, or added to meat dishes, fish, salads, and baked into bread. They are commonly used in trail mix as well.

18. Acorns

An acorn is an edible nut produced by Oak trees in America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. In order to make an acorn edible, they need to be first treated for tannic acid, which is bitter and can be toxic to humans. This is often done in a repeated drying and boiling process. They can also be roasted. Acorns are commonly used in porridge, acorn flatbread, and acorn flour honey cake.

19. Coconut

Believe it or not, a coconut is classified as a nut as well (as well as a fruit). They are a tropical nut produced by palm trees. Palm trees grow in the United States in California, and they thrive in the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Mexico.

They can be prepared raw straight off from the tree, or can be baked or fried. Coconuts are rich is nutrients and good for the diet. Some common uses include coconut milk, coconut oil, and use in desserts and as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

20. Ginkgo nuts

Ginkgo nuts are the product of the ginkgo tree, which is commonly found in Asian countries. The ginkgo nuts are harvested from within the ginkgo fruit. These nuts need to be boiled before consumption.

These nuts are commonly used in Asian cuisine, such as congee, and other dishes commonly served at Chinese New Year. It is important to watch levels of ginkgo nut consumption, however, as very high levels can be toxic over a long period of consumption.

The Best Nut for Different Foods

Nuts in Pesto

Pesto is traditionally a recipe that combines basil, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese and pine nuts. However, many people choose to craft their pesto using a variety of nuts. These pesto recipe options are quick and easy pasta sauce options.

These delicious pesto variations can be made using many types of nuts — many of which are easily accessible at a grocery store. These types of nuts (and sometimes a combination) can be used in pesto if first toasted and cooled before grinding.

• Almonds — soak overnight to remove the skins of the nuts.
• Walnuts — soak overnight for a creamier consistency.
• Macadamia Nuts — these are buttery but can be pricey, like pine nuts.
• Brazil Nuts — the Brazil Nut is meaty, rich and buttery.

Consider these nuts as well for a unique pesto creation —

• Unsalted, Raw, or Roasted Cashew Nuts.
• Pistachios
• Pecans
• Peanuts

“Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.” Ina Garten – Food Network

Great Nuts in Salads

The many varieties of nuts provide a great addition to any salad, adding nutrition, texture, and flavor. Each type of nut offers a unique nutritional profile, texture, and taste — so give some of these a try in your next salad creation —

• Almonds — are low in fat and high in protein that can be used raw or roasted.
• Macadamia Nuts — these nuts complement tropical flavors.
• Pecans — try these rich and buttery nuts raw, roasted, or candied and are a great addition to a spinach salad.
• Cashews — these light nuts contain protein and fiber with a slight crunch and are often thinly sliced in slaws with an Asian flair.
• Pistachio Nuts — a smooth textured nut that is high in potassium and Vitamin B; as they age, they become sweeter and harder.
• Peanuts — are a good source of protein and Vitamin E and pair well with Asian-style salads and the sweetness of an orange slice.
• Walnuts — high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Crunchy but melts in your mouth when toasted. Goes well with pears or apples in a salad.
• Pine Nuts

Nuts For Charcuterie Board

A Charcuterie Board seeks to creatively balance seasonal flavors with a variety of ingredients. Nuts add crunch to the Charcuterie and often include these nuts —

• Marcona Almonds — these almonds offer amazing taste and nutrition.
• Pecans — the natural sweetness goes well with the saltiness of the cheese and meats.
• Walnuts — With their high oil content, walnuts are a perfect addition for charcuterie with blue cheese or other sharp flavors.
• Cashews —try air roasting them with rosemary for a unique addition.

Nuts For Baking

Baking with nuts adds texture and flavor to a variety of baked goods. In general, raw nuts result in better-baked goods and a finished product —

• For General Baking Needs
  • Pecans add a rich flavor and can add crunch when baked. Pecans are a favorite pie filling or are often used when baking muffins.
  • Almonds are considered among the most versatile type of nuts. They are often ground to make gluten-free flour.
  • Pine Nuts (aka — Pignolias) — are earthy and soft, which makes them a perfect baking addition.
• For Sweet Bread Loaves — like Banana Bread or Cinnamon Nut Loaf –
• • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
• Brownies
  • Walnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Macadamia (aka Queensland) Nuts
• Cookies – cookies and nuts are a marriage of flavor. These nuts are a great addition to various cookie recipes — cashews, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pistachio nuts, to name a few.

Oven-Roasting Nuts

Roasting nuts brings out the flavor and fragrance. A dry oven (and a pinch of salt) provides consistent direct heat and offers evenly heated and roasted nuts.

Toasting nuts gives your dishes a deeper roasted flavor, and the best way to do this is in the oven.

The time it takes to roast a nut is worth the effort. The time they take to cook is usually evident because their signature fragrance is highlighted when the nuts release essential oils. Note that —

• Lighter Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans and Pistachios) take six to eight minutes.
• Denser Nuts (Hazelnuts, Almonds and Macadamia Nuts) take eight to ten minutes.

Nuts in Granola

Homemade granola is delicious and easy to make. Most nuts offer healthy (high in fiber and protein) tasty additions to traditional granola recipes. When it comes to granola, most people create delectable and nutritious options using —

• Raw or Roasted Pecans
• Raw or Roasted Walnuts
• Raw or Roasted Almonds
• Slivered Almonds

Nuts Toppings For Ice Cream

Ice cream is more than a food; it is an experience. For many, the more toppings that sit atop this frosty treat, the better. With ice cream, most nuts work well with this favorite frozen treat —

• Raw, Wet, Roasted, or Candied
  • Pecans
  • Pistachios
  • Candied Walnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Pine Nuts
  • Macadamia Nut Pieces
  • Slivered Almonds
  • Black Walnuts
  • Cashews

12 Interesting Facts About Nuts

Interesting Facts About Seeds

Types of Nuts and Seeds

Baru Nuts

Baru nuts are native to the Cerrado region in Brazil. They grow on Baruzeiro trees and are sometimes called baru almonds or barukas nuts. Despite their name, they’re actually a legume seed!

These seeds contain so many nutrients that they’re sometimes called a superfood! They’re a great source of protein and healthy fats and are high in fiber. Baru nuts are also packed with calcium and zinc!

“Baru nuts are super high in protein and fiber,” says nutritionist Aviva Allen. “Technically, they aren’t nuts, so they’re safe to send to school.”

You can prepare baru nuts in many ways. When they’re roasted, they taste like a combination of almonds and cashews. They make a delicious and healthy snack.

Beech Nuts

Beech nuts grow on beech trees, which are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. You can find these nuts inside small burrs that drop from trees in the fall. When the nuts are ready to harvest, these spiky husks start to split!

It’s safe to eat beech nuts, but raw nuts can be harmful in large quantities. That’s because these nuts contain a small amount of a toxin called fagin. Beech nuts also contain oxalic acid, which can cause stomachaches.

Cooking beech nuts can break down these toxins. Since beech nuts contain nutrients like copper and iron, they can be very healthy! Raw beech nuts can be bitter, but cooked nuts have a nutty, earthy flavor.

Cacao Seeds

Sometimes called cacao beans, these seeds come from cacao trees! These evergreen trees are native to the Amazon Rainforest, but are now grown in many parts of the world. The trees was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago!

The cacao seed is the key ingredient for making chocolate! It grows in a pod that’s around 6.7 to 7.9 inches long. One pod can contain more than 50 seeds!

After harvesting a cocoa pod, the seeds go through a fermentation process! The fermented seeds are usually dried out in the sun. Every year, there are more than 4.5 million tons of cacao seeds shipped across the globe.

Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds come from the caraway plant, which is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe. It’s grown in many parts of the world, including Poland and The Netherlands.

Although they’re called caraway seeds, they’re actually the fruit of the caraway plant! This aromatic fruit is sometimes ground and used to make spices! It’s also a common baking ingredient that’s used in rye bread.

Caraway seeds have an earthy flavor with notes of pepper and citrus. They contain fiber and many minerals, like iron, calcium, and copper.

Chia Seeds

These edible seeds come from the chia plant, a flowering plant native to Guatemala and Mexico. The plant is a part of the mint family. It’s grown in many places, including parts of South America and the United States.

Chia seeds are sometimes called a superfood because of their high nutritional value. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are a great source of B Vitamins and riboflavin. These seeds are also a pseuedocereal and are often used as a topping!

A chia seed can absorb up to 12 time its weight in liquids. This means it can also be used to keep baked goods moist. Some products that contain chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

Hemp Seeds

Sometimes called hemp hearts, hemp seeds come from hemp plants. Despite its name, they’re actually a type of nut! Hemp is a common industrial crop that’s grown around the world.

Hemp seeds contain many useful nutrients, like gamma-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. You can eat them raw, but it’s also common to ground them into meal or press them into oil.

There are some restrictions on growing hemp plants, but hemp can now be grown in 47 states. Not only are hemp seeds a great food source, but hemp is often used to make paper, rope, and textiles.

Hickory Nuts

True to their name, hickory nuts grow on hickory trees. There are 18 species of hickory tree found in the United States, China, India, and other parts of the world. Hickory nuts are actually drupes, which are a type of fruit.

Since there are many types of hickory trees, there are also many hickory nuts. For example, pecans are a type of hickory nut! Most nuts have a sweet and nutty flavor, but some are inedible.

It can take up to 30 years before a hickory tree starts to produce nuts! After that, trees produce nuts yearly, with a larger crop every three years. Hickory nuts have double nutshells and can be hard to crack!

Jackfruit Seeds

Jackfruit seeds come from the jackfruit plant, which is the world’s biggest tree plant! These trees are native to South Asia and thrive in tropical habitats.

Usually, a jackfruit seed will be between 1 and 2 inches long. They’re high in starch, protein, and fiber. It’s not safe to eat raw jackfruit seeds, but cooked seeds can be very nutritious. In most cases, seeds are boiled or roasted.

Mongongo Nuts

Mongongo nuts come from the Manketti tree, which is native to Southern Africa. It usually grows in sand dunes and on wooded hills.

These nuts play an important role in the diets of the Ovambo and Bushmen people. You can cook the nuts, serve them raw, or use them as an ingredient in other dishes.

Nuts can be harvested from mongongo fruits, which have a velvet-like husk. You’ll have to crack the fruit open if you want to access the nuts inside.

Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds come from the black caraway plant. This annual flowering plant is native to both Eastern Europe and Western Asia. You can also find it in North Africa!

These small black seeds are generally used as a spice. They have a strong aroma and a savory flavor.Since these seeds are high in antioxidants, they have many nutritional benefits.

Pomegranate Arils

Pomegranate arils are the edible seed of the pomegranate fruit! These seeds are small, soft, and have a pinkish-red color.The pomegranate grows on shrubs that are native to the Mediterranean region, but also grows in California!

You can find many nutrients in pomegranate seeds, such as potassium and magnesium. They have an appealing sweet flavor that’s a little bit tart.

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds come from the same type of poppy that’s used to make opium! The plant is native to the Mediterranean, but it’s grown in severalother parts of the world, like Europe and Asia. Most poppy seeds come from Turkey or the Czech Republic.

It’s common to use poppy seeds to make bread and pastries, but they’re also used to make poppy seed oil! You can also use these seeds to make tea. Poppy seeds are very small and have a similar shape to a kidney.

These seeds contain lots of valuable nutrients, like thiamin, folate, and iron. Even though poppy seeds don’t have narcotic properties, they can give you a false positive on a drug test. That’s why the USADA recommends that athletes avoid poppy seeds before drug screenings.

Quinoa Seeds

The quinoa plant is a crop that’s grown for its seeds! It originated in the Andes mountains in South America. Today, it’s grown in over 70 countries! Most quinoa comes from Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru.

Quinoa seeds are an excellent source of protein. They also contain fiber and B vitamins. It’s gluten-free and is a whole-grain carbohydrate.

In the wild, quinoa seeds have a coating that contains saponins, a bitter toxin. This coating is usually removed from commercially-sold quinoa. In recent years, the demand for quinoa has skyrocketed!

Sesame Seeds

The sesame plant has was domesticated over 3,000 years ago. That makes sesame seeds one of the oldest oil seed crops! It’s native to India but is now grown in many regions.

Sesame seeds come in many colors, including off-white, red, brown, and gold. Although seeds can vary in size, most seeds are between 3 and 4 mm long. The seeds grow inside a capsule that bursts after the seeds are ripe.

These seeds have many uses. They’re often used as a topping on bagels and are also used to make sesame seed oil. Sesame seeds are a great source of antioxidants and other nutrients.

Watermelon Seeds

When you crack open a watermelon, you’ll usually find watermelon seeds inside! Watermelon is native to Africa but is now grown in many tropical and temperate climates. Lots of people discard watermelon seeds, but they actually have some health benefits!

Watermelon seeds are a source of B vitamins, potassium, and zinc. You can roast these seeds or use them to make watermelon seed oil. If you soak the seeds in water, they’ll grow sprouts that you can use to make watermelon seed butter!

“Homemade watermelon seed butter is high in protein and full of monosaturated fat,” says Sarah, a registered dietician. “Spread it on some toast and you’ll have a really healthy snack or breakfast.”

Where to Buy Nuts and Seeds

We can buy nuts and seeds anywhere. But there is a big difference in the freshness and taste of the products. Quality and freshness are essential for the best taste and texture when you buy nuts and seeds. These are some of the best places to make purchases and ensure the best quality.

Places to Buythe Freshest Edible Nuts and Seeds

Walmart

Huge volumes and a quick turnover of products, you will find some of the freshest nuts and seeds to buy. Produce stock varies from store to store. But the Walmart Neighborhood Market, Express, and Super Center stock nuts and seeds.

Publix Stores

Large grocery chain with over 1,000 stores in the Southeastern US. Their produce turns over often, ensuring freshness for the nuts and seeds.

Meijer

Large chain of stores in Central and Northern US. Meijer has extensive fresh produce and originated the concept of the “superstore.” Meijer has a variety of edible nuts and seeds and maintains strict quality control.

Albertsons

With over 400 stores across the US and has a reputation for quality produce items. These items include various nuts and seeds. These include almonds, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Kroger

The Kroger Company has over 2,800 stores across the US and works to maintain fresh produce. They have a large assortment of fresh nuts and seeds.

Whole Foods Market

This chain adheres to strict quality control standards. They only carry the best organic products in the produce section. Whole Foods Market stocks some of the best available organic nuts and seeds.

Fresh Market

With high-quality organic produce, Fresh Market stores are in 22 states. Their produce section is well stocked with extensive and compelling fresh produce. Among the produce is a wide assortment of nuts and seeds. Fresh Market was voted “Best Supermarket in America” for 2022.

Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Company

Founded in Parker, Colorado, 45 years ago, selling gift baskets. Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Company sells only the freshest nuts and seeds. Also, they grow and roast most of the nuts and seeds for sale through their stores, online, or distributors.

Harry & David

Began in 1934, Harry & David provides some of the finest fruit and nut products in the US. They have stores located in malls and outlets across the country. Harry & David offers quality nuts and seeds as gifts or for immediate enjoyment.

Where to Buy Nuts and Seeds Online

Nuts.Com

Started in 1929, in a storefront as Newark Nut Company. Now, nuts.com provides the freshest and highest quality nuts across the US.

Nutstop.Com

A nationwide supplier of nuts, Nutsop.com, is based in Chicago, IL. Their website lists a large selection of assorted nuts and dried fruits. Over 80% of their business is repeat customers as Nutstop.com ships the freshest nuts and dried fruit.

Ohnuts.Com

For those desiring bulk nuts and seeds, Ohnuts.com is the site for you. They deal with wholesalers direct to provide a wide variety of nuts and seeds at the peak of freshness.

Sfherb.Com

Since 1973, San Francisco Herb Company has provided a wide variety of nuts and seeds. Discover all the nuts, seeds, and spices they offer at Sfher.com.

Wegotnuts.Com

You can buy nuts and seeds by the pound or in large bulk at wegotnuts.com. Besides offering nutritious nuts and seeds, they offer trail mixes and dried fruit.

Bluemountainorganics.com

A certified grower of high-quality raw and sprouted nuts. Their goal is to produce healthy organic raw nuts and other healthy organic foods. Explore their unique approach to creating healthy nuts and seeds at bluemountainorganics.com.

Sincerelynuts.Com

A huge selection of various nuts and seeds is found at sincerelynuts.com. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, gift trays and other nutritious treats are on their website.

Sitejabber.Com

A site listing 13 of the Top Online Stores for Nuts. At sitejabber.com you can find a quick reference to other sites selling nuts and seeds. Explore the listing of online stores and visit the sites that appear promising to you. This is an easy search for the best places for you to buy nuts and seeds online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nuts good for you? Are they bad for you?

Nuts are very good for you. In fact, there are a multitude of health benefits you can enjoy from eating them. They are naturally low in carbs and high in good fats like omega-3 and omega-6 which can greatly improve heart health and increase LDL (good cholesterol) levels.

They are also full of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals in the body that can lead to cell damage and ultimately disease. Additionally, they are packed with valuable nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, zinc, iron and potassium.

The only way they would be bad for you is if you don’t eat them in moderation since they are calorie-dense, or if you are allergic to them which can be potentially serious.

Are nuts fattening?

Nuts do have fat. But it is the good and natural kind of fat your body needs, called monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. And when eaten in moderation, they have actually been proven to help with weight loss.

It was recently discovered that we don’t actually absorb all of the calories from the nuts because they are more difficult for the body to break down. This, coupled with the fact that they keep you satisfied longer because of their high amounts of fiber and protein, prevents them from being fattening or contributing to weight gain.

Are nuts protein? Which ones are highest in protein?

Nuts are a high-protein food, and they are an important part of a vegetarian or vegan diet for that reason. However, protein is made up of non-essential and essential amino acids, and nuts only provide the non-essential ones. You can count on 27 grams of protein in about one cup of nuts. For comparison, one cup of chopped chicken breast contains about 43 grams of protein.

The five nuts that are highest in protein are:

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Brazil Nuts
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts

Are nuts carbs?

While nuts do contain some carbs, they are not considered a carb-rich food. In fact, they are often recommended for people who are attempting to follow a low-carb diet. One ounce of nuts contains only about five grams of carbs, whereas a slice of white bread contains about 15 grams.

Are nuts fruit?

Scientifically, nuts are often referred to as a fruit with a single seed, a protective husk and a hard shell. In other words, they are the dry seeds of fruit. There are certain nuts that are more widely referred to as fruits, though, including acorns, chestnuts and hazelnuts.

Are nuts seeds?

The complicated truth here is that most nuts are actually seeds, but not vice versa. Seeds are considered an edible plant enclosed in a protective shell. While nuts stay in their shells until provoked open, seeds generally open on their own and leave the shell. So the term “nut” implies that the shell will not automatically open and release the seed.

For an easier way to distinguish between the two, most of the nuts that you would refer to as “tree nuts”, like almonds, brazil nuts and cashews, are actually classified as seeds.

Can nuts go bad?

Because of their oil content, nuts certainly can go bad. However, they do have an incredibly long shelf life compared to other natural foods. They can be kept in a pantry for up to six months past their “best by” date and in the fridge for up to a year.

If you’re not sure if your nuts have gone bad, the easiest way to tell is to smell them. They will have a very specific and rancid or sour smell.

What nuts are in pesto?

The most common and classic type of nut to use for pesto is pine nuts. It usually consists of pine nuts, a lot of fresh basil, oil, parmesan cheese and garlic.

But pine nuts can be expensive, so it is easy to find recipes that use different nuts for pesto like walnuts or almonds. Since the flavors of these nuts are slightly different, you can tweak the pesto recipe with more complementary ingredients like parsley instead of basil.

Which nuts are high in iron?

When it comes to iron, pistachios are the champion. They have 14mg per 100g. That is almost an entire day’s worth of iron for an adult. Considering anemia (chronic iron deficiency) is the single most common blood condition in the world, consuming foods that are high in iron is paramount and can help to prevent varying levels of iron deficiency.

It’s important to note that vegetarians won’t get any iron from meat, so it is vital for them to include other sources of iron, like nuts, in their diet on a daily basis.

Where do nuts come from?

China is the largest producing country of nuts. The second largest is India, followed by Nigeria, Sudan and the United States. You can also find nuts in northern Mexico.

Which food group includes nuts?

Tree nuts are part of the Protein Foods Group. Beans, peas, lentils, and seeds are also in this food group.

Which nuts are legumes?

Peanuts, while not technically a nut, are legumes. These are edible seeds that are enclosed in pods. Peanuts are in the same class as peas, beans and lentils.

Which nuts are tree nuts?

The nuts that are considered tree nuts are cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios. Some nuts are closer related to some than others. For example, certain tree nuts are closely related, cashews are related to the pistachio, and pecans are more closely related to the walnut.

Where do nuts grow?

Just about every nut grows on trees and bushes. Peanuts, which are not technically nuts, grow underground. Most nuts grow in a casing that starts soft and becomes a hard shell.

Do all nuts come from trees?

Yes, all tree nuts come from woody plants, which are trees and shrubs.

Are nuts good for you?

Tree nuts can be part of a healthy diet because they contain nutrients and unsaturated fatty acids. These nutrients are thought to be healthy for your heart. However, they are high in calories, so it is important to limit the amount you consume.

Are nuts good for your skin?

Nuts contain healthy minerals and vitamins, including zinc, copper, and vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins and minerals help give you smooth, glowing, and young looking skin.

Do nuts have protein, carbs, fiber, calcium, potassium, and/or iron?

Yes, one cup of nuts contains 27 grams of protein, 28 grams of carbs, 9 grams of fiber, 157 milligrams of calcium, 847 milligrams of potassium, and 3.5 milligrams of iron.

Are nuts gluten-free?

Yes. Nuts do not have gluten and therefore are gluten-free.

Are nuts high in cholesterol?

No, nuts do not have cholesterol.

Which nuts have the most protein?

While peanuts are not technically a nut, of all the foods that are generally considered to be a nut, they do contain the most protein.

Which nuts have Omega-3?

Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts contain Omega-3.

Do nuts cause kidney stones?

Yes, nuts contain oxalate, which has been found to contribute to kidney stones. So this makes it possible for nuts to cause kidney stones.

Do nuts go bad?

Tree nuts contain a high amount of unsaturated fat, which is a delicate oil. This oil makes them highly likely to go rancid. In addition, when nuts are exposed to light, oxygen, and heat can accelerate how quickly they may spoil.

How long do nuts last at room temperature?

When nuts are shelled, that means they have been removed from the shell; they will hold their quality for about four to six months while at room temperature. When nuts remain in their shell, they can retain their quality for a little longer, like six to nine months.

When you refrigerate your tree nuts, you can extend their quality by as much as 100 percent. If you freeze your nuts, they may last even longer.

How long do mixed nuts last once opened?

When you have bottled or canned mixed nuts, they last for as long as six months, as long as they are refrigerated.

How long do nuts last in the shell?

When nuts stay in their shell, they last as long as six to nine months.

Do nuts need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it would be best if you stored nuts in the refrigerator instead of at room temperature. Tree nuts contain a high amount of unsaturated fat, and storing them in the refrigerator helps prevent them from going rancid.

Can you freeze nuts?

Yes, you can freeze nuts for as long as one year. When you freeze them, it will not change the taste of the nuts.

Can you eat expired nuts?

It would be best if you did not eat nuts once they have gone rancid.

Which nut is the hardest to crack?

The macadamia nut is the hardest to crack, which is one of the reasons you will probably not have seen one in its shell. It takes about 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack a macadamia nut.

Can you eat nuts with braces?

No, it would be best if you did not eat nuts when you have braces. They are hard and may get stuck in your braces.

Can you eat acorn nuts?

Acorn nuts can be eaten once you leach the tannins from raw acorns. Once you remove the tannins, you can safely eat them. However, these tannins can be toxic to humans. It also has a bitter and nasty taste.

Can you eat beech nuts?

Yes, you can eat beech nuts, but you should not eat them in large quantities.

Which nuts are in mixed nuts?

Mixed nuts contain salted and roasted peanuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts.

How many nuts are in an ounce?

The number of nuts in an ounce depends on the particular nut. It varies based on the nuts. One ounce is the same as 24 almonds, 18 medium cashews, 12 hazelnuts, or filberts. Also, one ounce is the same as eight medium Brazil nuts, 12 macadamia nuts, 35 peanuts, and 15 pecan halves.

Which is the largest nut?

The Coco de Mer is also known as the Sea Coconut, and it is the largest edible nut. Unfortunately, it is also an endangered palm tree species found only on the Seychelles islands.

Do soap nuts work?

Soap nuts are somewhat effective. They can wash, clean, and remove odor and some stains. However, they will not provide an intense wash.

Can you eat raw nuts?

Yes, you can eat raw nuts.

Can you eat nuts every day?

Yes, nuts are part of a balanced diet. You can eat them every day. However, you do want to eat them in moderation each day because they are high in calories.

Can you take nuts on a plane?

Yes, you can bring nuts through security on a plane in your carry-on luggage.

Do nutcrackers really crack nuts?

Yes, they can crack nuts.