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The story of nuts, in a nutshell Date published: 11/28/2008
DO YOU FEEL like a I don't know the history of tree nut consumption, but there are many references to the importance of acorns and chestnuts to American Indians and, later, European settlers. Given that nuts are fairly easily gathered, have a high nutritional value and can be stored for some time, it's no surprise such trees and their fruit were highly regarded by our ancestors. While there are some who are allergic to tree nuts (and others who are allergic to peanuts--technically a legume in the pea family, not a nut), recent dietary research highlights the This is believed to be true for the lower-fat tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts and peanuts. Though nuts are a higher-fat food, it is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat and may help lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol (see lancaster.unl.edu/food/ft mar04.htm). LOCALLY GROWN Nuts have a niche in the current local-foods movement. This part of the country can grow walnuts, Asian chestnuts (and the soon-to-return American chestnut), American filberts (also known as hazelnuts), hickory nuts and others. Tony Bratsch, a former extension specialist with Virginia Tech, feels there is good opportunity for small-scale nut production and niche marking in many areas of Virginia--an opportunity to consider if you have a few acres and a few years (six or more) to get a small plantation established. Check out ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/pulledarticles/march04-1.html for a brief introduction to nut production.
Date published: 11/28/2008
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