We’re a Little Nutty (…about nuts, that is!)

Maple Ridge Farms has come to be known as a top source for delicious gourmet treats.  That includes our freshly-roasted Extra Fancy Jumbo Cashews, our exceptionally large and flavorful “new crop” natural California Pistachios, and our various styles of sweet or savory almonds.  Although we would never overlook our scrumptious chocolates or delectable meat or cheese gifts, this week are taking a look at some fun, interesting, and little-known facts about nuts!

Let’s start with the “King of Nuts”… The Cashew 

Alright.  Let’s be honest.  There could be debates on which nut takes this title.  Cashews have been a long-time nutty favorite world-wide and are often found on the top of the list.  We have to admit that they are one of our favorites here on “the Farm.”  Cashews are high in copper, magnesium, and iron, and are naturally cholesterol free.

Surprisingly, cashews are in the same family as poison ivy and poison sumac.  Only their shell contains a similar irritant, though, not the nut itself.  Roasting them at high temps also helps alleviate any traces, assuring their safety for our consumption.

But did you know that what we call a cashew “nut” is actually the seed from the cashew fruit?  Cashew apples are actually the fruit part of the cashew plant, and are also edible.  The soft fruit pulp can be processed into a fruit drink, distilled into a liqueur, added to curries, or eaten fresh.  The cashew apple contains more than five times the vitamin C than oranges.

National Cashew Day:  November 22nd

Next is the nut that “Smiles back at you”… The Pistachio

Also known as “the happy nut” in China, and “the smiling nut” in Iran, the pistachio is a nutritional powerhouse!  Aside from containing one of the lowest amounts of calories and fat among it’s nutty brethren, the pistachio is an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.  In-shell pistachios make a wonderful snack option because cracking them open means they take a bit longer to eat.  Also, the growing pile of discarded shells provides visible feedback in terms of how many have been eaten.

Naturally a green nut, with a beige shell, pistachios were often dyed a variety of colors, like red.  The dye was originally applied to hide stains on the shells caused by hand-picking, and to help make the nuts stand out in a crowd.  Since pistachios are now mostly harvested by machinery, there is little need for a dye job these days!

Pistachios are the one of the oldest of the flowering nut trees, and are one of only three nuts mentioned in the bible (Genesis 43:11).  It’s rumored that the Queen of Sheba loved them so much that she demanded the entire region’s harvest to be set aside solely for her.  And according to legend, pistachios were featured in the HangingGardens of Babylon!

National Pistachio Nut Day:  February 26th

Last, but never least, one of most versatile nuts… The Almond

The US is the largest producer of almonds, holding 80% of the world-wide supply!  Another great source of vitamin E, copper, and magnesium, almonds are also the highest source of calcium among the nut family.  They contain polyphenol antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease – about the same amount as broccoli and green tea!  They have been found to help diabetics improve insulin sensitivity and lower the rise of blood sugar and insulin after meals.

Fast becoming a popular option in grocery stores and marketplaces across the country, almond milk offers a great alternative to those who are lactose intolerant.  Unlike cow’s milk, almond milk has little saturated fat, less carbs, and less calories!  It is produced by finely grinding almonds together with water, and can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis.  Did you know you can make your own almond milk?  Click on this link, for one of many great recipes we found.

Almonds lend a hand in a variety of snack and culinary settings!  Almond flour is gluten-free, and almond oil is a great alternative for cooking due to it’s high smoke point.  Tossing almonds into other recipes, like pasta and salads, and can add some fantastic texture.  Crushed almonds in your breading mix will also “bump up the crunch” for any seafood or poultry dish!

National Almond Day:  February 16th

National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day:  July 8th

Although nuts are high in nutrients, they can still also be high in calories.  A great option is to consume them in moderation, and add them to your diet in place of other foods higher in saturated fats!  But whether they are plain, salted, seasoned, or covered in chocolate, nuts offer a great snacking option.  Sometimes it’s ok to be a little “nutty”!