As you go gift Shopping in Phoenix, you might consider purchasing gift baskets of nuts. You know that most people love nuts and that they can be used for snacking or cooking. Did you know that the majority of nuts that you know by name aren’t even nuts at all? In truth, they are seeds. When you hand over your gift basket, wow your recipient with these bits of nut (seed) trivia.
Seeds
When you think of nuts you probably think of peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and pine nuts. None of those are true nuts. Nuts are hard-shelled and don’t contain seeds inside, such as the chestnut. The foods you think are nuts are more commonly the seeds found inside a shell. Pine nuts are actually the seeds found within the layers of pine cones. These seeds are called culinary nuts because they all have that nutty taste.
Health Benefits
You probably know that nuts are good for you, but do you know why? Most nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that are proven to help with heart health. Eating them throughout your life will keep your heart strong in the later years. They are also a great snack for people with type 2 diabetes. They are one of the most recommended foods for diabetics to help control insulin resistance.
Allergies
The most common food allergy comes from peanuts and tree nuts. They are right up there with allergies to eggs and milk. Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions with even a small amount which is why companies are required by law to place a warning on product labels if the contents were made in the same factory as peanuts. It’s difficult to believe that a loved and healthy snack like peanuts could be so dangerous.
Pine Mouth
Pine nuts are used in cooking, but many people that eat pine nuts experience pine mouth. It is a condition where the taste buds taste nothing but metal. You will have a metallic taste in your mouth for a couple days or more. It is not harmful to your health, but it is very unpleasant. Don’t hate pine nuts, though, because pine nut oil helps to suppress appetite and is great for dieters.
Check out Green Valley Pecan Company Store for nutty gifts to give along with your new nut knowledge.
