Popular Christmas Nuts

Nuts are a nutrient-dense and convenient snack that can be enjoyed year-round. However, some nuts are more popular around the Christmas holiday. They are eaten as they are as a snack, as well as in side dishes and desserts.

The most popular Christmas nuts are listed and described below in alphabetical order.

Almonds

Almonds are slightly sweet and loaded with energy-boosting nutrients. Nut butter and some milk are made with almonds. They can be eaten raw or toasted, and are often eaten on their own or in sweet and savory dishes. They are available in many forms and sold whole, sliced, flaked, or slivered.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts come from South America, as their name indicates. They are large and meaty once you open up the hard shell. These nuts are many people's favorite because they are a good source of selenium, vitamin E, protein, carbohydrate, and fat.

When Brazil nuts are included in mixed nuts, they tend to rise to the top of the container because of their large size.

Cashews

Cashews are crescent-shaped nuts often put in some Asian dishes. One of the benefits of cashews is that they help relieve depression. The cashew nut is widely eaten by the handful or used in salads and side dishes.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are so popular that they are mentioned in the first line of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song."

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,

Jack Frost nipping at your nose;

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

You also see people buying and eating these nuts as they walk the streets in holiday movies.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are also called filberts, and they look like acorns. Some people like to snack on them with chocolate or coffee. The nuts are rich in protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, manganese, and various other essential nutrients.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts have a creamy texture and a rich flavor. They can be eaten as they are, or baked in cookies and other desserts. This nut is popular in Hawaii.

Macadamias are a rich source of essential nutrients, including thiamine, vitamin B6, manganese, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Macadamia nuts are made of fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.

Compared to other common nuts, such as almonds and cashews, macadamias are high in total fat and relatively low in protein.

Peanuts

Peanuts are on this list, but peanuts aren't nuts, even though most people think they are. They are actually legumes because they grow underground, while true nuts are grown on trees. However, peanuts are referred to as nuts. They even have the word "nut" in their name, such as walnut, hazelnut, and chestnut.

Peanuts are similar in taste and have nutritional value like tree nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Peanuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.

Pecans

Pecans are rich and have a nut buttery flavor. They are a rich source of fiber, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and thiamine.

These delicious nuts are also a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. They are used in many different kinds of candies and in the traditional pecan pie. The pecan is the state nut of Alabama, Arkansas, California, and Texas.

Pistachios

Pistachios are members of the cashew family. The pistachio shell is naturally beige. The green color inside the pistachios is chlorophyll.

Pistachios are good snacking nuts that contain potassium. In comparison to other tree nuts, pistachios are lower in their fat content and calories. However, the nuts contain potassium and vitamin K.

Walnuts

Walnuts are considered the king of nuts because of their many health benefits. They have a rich, nutty flavor and buttery texture. Walnuts can help reduce stress-related illnesses. The melatonin found in walnuts can also promote sleep.

Walnuts are an excellent source of vitamin A and E, fiber, calcium, and iron. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and B-complex vitamins, as well as manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. A handful of walnuts can provide the daily recommended amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs.

Mix Your Christmas Nuts

You do not have to decide which nuts to have available for the holiday. You can mix them because you have several types to choose from. Mix raw nuts such as pecans, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts for a delicious and healthy treat.

Mix salted and unsalted nuts such as pecans, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts. You and your guests will also love a honey roasted mix that includes pecans, almonds, and cashews along with some sesame sticks.

Survey

What are your favorite nuts to snack on?

• 13% Almonds

• 11% Brazil Nuts

• 16% Cashews

• 13% Hazelnuts

• 5% Macadamia Nuts

• 10% Peanuts

• 13% Pecans

• 13% Pistachios

• 8% Walnuts