How To Enjoy Nuts & Seeds

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I’m sharing how to enjoy nuts and seeds with some nutritiously nutty recipes, tips, and tricks.

Even before I became a Registered Dietitian, I was nuts about nuts. I love their crunch and that they are filling! And don’t get me started on nut butters. You know my love affair with nut butters goes back to the early days of KERF when I ate whipped banana oatmeal with nut butter almost every morning. Here’s my list of favorite nut butters.

Nuts and seeds are a nutrition enthusiast’s dream. Today’s post is all about nuts and seeds. Let’s get crackin’…

Nuts vs. Seeds

Nuts

Historically, nuts served as an alternative to meat and fish; they were vital during periods of famine when hunting and fishing were hindered. Varied in shape, size, texture, and taste, nuts are common in diets around the world. Until more recent years, nuts were considered high-fat villains but now are known as nutritional superheroes (yay!).

Common Types of Nuts

almonds
Brazil nuts
cashews
chestnuts
hazelnuts
macadamia nuts
peanuts
pecans
pine nuts
pistachios
walnuts

Have you tried them all?

Seeds

Seeds are the means by which most plants propagate, so they are particularly nutrient-dense. Beans, peas, most nuts, and all grains are technically seeds, but some fall in a specific category loosely called edible seeds. These seeds tend to be smaller and have a higher proportion of fat (like sesame and flax). Many seeds are primarily used for their oils.

Common Types of Seeds

chia seeds
flaxseed
hemp seeds
poppy seeds
pumpkin seeds
sesame seeds
sunflower seeds

Nut & Seed Nutrition

Both nuts and seeds have rich nutrient profiles.

Nuts are a nourishing source of plant protein, heart-healthy fatty acids, and an array of vitamins are minerals. Nuts are high in good fat (mono and polyunsaturated) which have been known to help lower cholesterol. Each nut stands out for something different: almonds offer excellent protein and vitamin E, while walnuts are known for their alpha-linolenic acid content.

Fun fact: 2-3 Brazil nuts provide a daily dose of zinc and selenium.

A study in 1997 found that people who ate nuts at least five times a week cut their risk of a heart attack in half, compared with those who ate nuts less than once per week (source: Wellness Foods A-Z).

Seeds supply important minerals as well as a moderate amount of protein (though incomplete). Sunflower, safflower, and sesame seeds are most commonly used to make cooking oils. It’s noteworthy that the type of fat in seeds in primary polyunsaturated, some of which provide essential fatty acids. For example, flaxseed provides ALA, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, two other commonly consumed seeds, provide vitamin E and iron.

How To Store Nuts & Seeds

Nuts should be stored in airtight containers to block out moisture and keep the oils in the nuts from going rancid. Glass jars in a dark cabinet are perfect.
Unshelled nuts can be stored in a cool, dry place for 2-4 months.
Shelled nuts or seeds need to be stored in the fridge or freezer and will last up to 1 year.
Ground nuts or seeds should be stored in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 1 week (not long!).

How To Soak Nuts

Why soak nuts & seeds? Soaking raw nuts and seeds makes them easier to digest and increases nutrient absorption.

Cover 4 cups of raw nuts or seeds with water and stir in 1 Tbsp. of sea salt.
Soak 6-7 hours.
Drain in a colander.
Spread on a baking sheet and bake in an oven at 150F for 12-24 hours to dry.

How To Make Nut & Seed Butters

Love nut butters as much as I do? We always have a variety of different nut butters on hand. And while I have several store-bought favorites, homemade is truly best.

Nut Butter Recipes

This video from Minimalist Baker is a great step-by-step tutorial on how to make nut butters (it’s really quite easy!).

Spread nut or seed butter on apple slices, carrots or celery.
Spread nut or seed butter on your favorite toast. Add a sprinkle of chia or hemp seeds.
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top of pasta.
Sprinkle toasted walnuts or nutty granola on top of yogurt.
Add toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a salad topper.
Make your own trail mix: 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds, 1 cup dried fruits + a handful of chocolate chips.
Blend a dollop of nut butter into your favorite smoothie. Boost it with a tablespoon of ground chia or flax seed.
Finely chop nuts and add to breading for fish or poultry.

Healthy Nut & Seed Recipes

1. Easy Energy Bar Recipe

This easy energy bar recipe is filled with healthy whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Even better, no cooking required!

2. Nutty Granola

This homemade nutty granola recipe is a family favorite, courtesy of my father-in-law, John! It’s packed with nuts, seeds, and coconut and is made without oats, so it’s gluten-free. Almond meal, honey, and coconut oil bind it together.

3. Maple Sesame Almonds

Slightly sweet, slightly savory, 100% crunchy.

4. Cinnamon Vanilla Almond Butter

This creamy homemade almond butter recipe is made in a food processor and turns raw almonds into drippy almond butter in less than 10 minutes.

5. Toasted Coconut Walnut Butter

This buttery, earthy and toasted walnut butter has the essence of coconut and the texture of cookie dough.

6. Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter

When you make your own almond butter, you can flavor it however you like! In this Pumpkin Spice Almond Butter recipe, pumpkin spices make homemade drippy almond butter fall festive!

7. Homemade Crunchy Peanut Butter

This homemade crunchy peanut butter recipe is made in a food processor and turns salted peanuts into peanut butter in less than 10 minutes!

8. Salted Almond Chocolate Bark

This salted almond chocolate bark recipe is easy to customize with whatever nuts you have on hand. The flaked salt is key! It also makes a perfect homemade gift.

9. Cranberry Almond Chocolate Clusters

The base of this recipe is simply nuts and dried fruit, but the clusters are spiced up a bit with cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne, and a sprinkle of sea salt!

10. Apple Walnut Quinoa

This easy baked oatmeal includes a banana (for texture and natural sweetness), pumpkin pie spice, sliced local green apples, and crunchy walnuts toasted in the oven.