Nuts - what kind of fruit is this, what is hidden under this definition

A nut is the syncarpous lower fruit of a plant, shrub or tree, consisting of a hard shell and a nutritious kernel inside it. A more precise circle depends on from what point of view the issue is considered: botanical or culinary. Some fruits are incorrectly called nuts (from a scientific point of view).

An example of the dilemma is the Korean cedar, which is not a nut in the scientific sense, but is defined as such in cooking.

Modern botany, according to Wikipedia, distinguishes two types of nuts:

• Hazel and hazelnut nuts are a dry, indehiscent syncarpous lower single-seeded fruit in a woody pericarp.
• Fruits of the beech family, which also includes the nut family.

The fruits are widely used in cooking due to the presence of a huge range of substances beneficial to the human body. Nuts for people are a source of energy, vitamins, trace elements and minerals.

Diagram of the nut family (genus) using the example of chestnut and hazelnut

Facts about nuts

1. In Latin, the word "nux" means "nut" and "pine cone";
2. There is a “water” chestnut in the world called chilim, it is included in the Red Book;
3. “Relatives” of the walnut are Manchurian, ailantholic and heart-shaped walnuts;
4. The largest nut is Seychelles;
5. 100 g of nuts usually contain 600-700 kcal, which is 10-15 times higher in calories than some fruits.
6. Some plants are not “true” nuts, these may sometimes include drupes, beans and seeds;
7. Walnut shells are used as a material for cleaning teeth;
8. From the moment a pecan is placed in the ground until it bears fruit for the first time, about 15 years pass.
9. The edible part of the nut fruit can be placed in several shells, like a coconut.
10. The Fjallkonfekt chocolate factory near the town of Åre in Sweden produces all its chocolates filled with nuts or wild berries from mountain forests by hand.

Planting and care

Walnuts are classified as heat-loving plants that require large amounts of sunlight for full growth and fruiting. The planting site is chosen on a slightly elevated sunny area with loose fertile soil, leaving 8 m between seedlings, and 10-12 m from nearby buildings. The optimal time for planting is the second half of April.

The land for planting walnuts is prepared in the fall. Dig a planting hole and mix the excavated soil with peat, humus, wood ash, and dolomite flour. Add 50 g of superphosphate. Planting holes are dug to a depth of 80-100 cm, and then filled back with refined soil and watered abundantly. In the spring in April, they are dug up again and a 15-20 cm layer of fine gravel or expanded clay is poured onto the bottom for drainage. A pole is driven into the bottom of the hole to secure a seedling 2 m high, since the tree grows quite quickly. The roots are sprinkled with fertile soil, the root collar is left 2-3 cm above the ground level. Water immediately, and the soil around the trunk is mulched with sawdust.

To successfully grow a walnut, a roller is erected from the soil around its trunk at a distance of about 50 cm, which does not allow water to spread after watering. For growth and fruiting, the plant requires a lot of moisture during the growing season. Mature trees draw it out from great depths, and young trees require watering every week (10-20 liters each).

Fertilizing is carried out twice a year. In the spring it is necessary to apply ammonium nitrate or superphosphate to increase green mass. In the fall, ammonium salts and calcium chloride are added for successful wintering; this is required even for frost-resistant walnut varieties - Chandler or Canadian.

Formative pruning is carried out on young trees in the fall to obtain a low-growing, spreading crown. To do this, in the first year after planting, only 3 main skeletal branches are left, and later, during the autumn pruning of the walnut, shoots directed vertically upward and thickening the crown are removed. In the spring, branches that have dried out during the winter and are broken are cut out. The root shoots of old trees are cut out or used for propagation. To protect against infection by diseases, all cuts must be coated with garden varnish.

Beneficial properties of the nut fruit

Thanks to their hard shell, nuts are able to retain their beneficial properties for a long period. They are rich in microelements, minerals, and vitamins of various groups. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for the body, are contained in fruits, allowing them to be nutritious. Also, the high content of these acids helps strengthen blood vessels and the heart; improving brain function; strengthening the skin and, at the same time, removing cholesterol and free radicals from the body.

According to the world encyclopedia Wikipedia, the minimum amount of Omega-3 per day for good functioning of the human body is 250-500 mg, the maximum is 5 g.

Omega-3 content in various types of nuts:

The saturated fat content is very low, and the complete absence of cholesterol and low glycemic index indicate the undoubted benefits of this product.

The content of vitamins and minerals in edible nut kernels has medicinal properties for various diseases. Each of the nuts, when eaten, works with a specific group of human organs (the table is compiled based on data from Wikipedia):

Hazelnut

Or hazelnut feels great in Russia. Hazel, widespread in ordinary forests of the Middle Zone, is healthier than bread and milk.

An interesting fact is that our ancestors considered hazelnuts to be an amulet against death and disease, so they always carried a double nut with them. Hazelnuts are very rich in iron and are even ahead of beef liver in this indicator.

Like all other nuts, hazelnuts quickly restore strength, improve memory, cleanse blood vessels and the heart, fight cholesterol and viruses, and improve immunity.

These are wonderful nuts, the types and names of which vary greatly, but the benefits of which for the body are simply invaluable. You can consume this healthy product at any time; you can eat them individually or in combination.

"Nut Diet"

Nuts are rich in fat and contain many beneficial substances, which is why they are often used in diets. The kernels are so nutritious that a few pieces can satisfy hunger for a long time. Nuts are free of cholesterol; unsaturated fatty acids predominate over saturated ones. The fats found in fruits are easily absorbed by the body, but are not stored by extra pounds.

Almonds have the greatest benefit for weight loss. Botanically, almonds are a stone fruit. The fruits are similar to peach pits, they are collected from a bush that blooms in the spring and bears fruit in the summer. Wikipedia identifies three types of almonds:

• bitter
• sweet
• fragile

Since bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which easily breaks down into sugar, benzaldehyde and poisonous hydrogen cyanide, it can only be used after processing. This nut even has a lethal dose. For children this is about 10 cores, for an adult about 50.

Sweet almonds contain very little amygdalin, so they are safe. Fragile almonds are distinguished by the thinness of their shell.

This fruit improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and removes cholesterol from the body.

Pistachios have the fewest calories. The kernels of this nut suppress appetite. If you eat a few pistachios before meals, the standard portion can be halved. Also, English scientists discovered another beneficial property of pistachios - crushed and fried kernels in a special way can replace coffee.

Another very dietary type of nut is chestnut, 100 grams of which, when baked, contain only 3 grams of fat. Edible chestnuts in the modern world are no longer exotic; they can be purchased in almost any supermarket.

You should definitely include 15-20 groundnut kernels (peanuts) in your daily diet. Botanically, peanuts belong to the legume family. But its cores promote concentration and improve memorization. They need to be eaten fried and peeled, which is a strong allergen.

You cannot lose weight by eating nuts alone. They are very high in calories and nutrition, and this is their great value: nutrients can saturate the body with energy for a long time when eating just a few kernels. If there is nothing in the diet except nuts, there is a high risk that their positive qualities will cause harm: the fat contained in the edible kernels will accumulate extra pounds in the body, and cholesterol will stop leaving the body and will accumulate in it. But the moderate recommended consumption of nuts will have a beneficial effect on the body, help reduce the portion required for satiety, and improve the condition of the skin, hair, and nails.

Benefits of nuts

All varieties of nuts are beneficial for the body - in terms of nutritional value they are in no way inferior to meat, and in terms of nutrient content they smell like fruits and vegetables. The composition and chemical value depends on the type of nuts, but each of them contains in large quantities:

• various types of non-fatty acids,
• complex proteins
• B vitamins, ascorbic acid, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.

Regardless of whether you eat small or large nuts, they have a positive effect on the body:

1. The functioning of the heart and nervous system improves.
2. The elasticity of blood vessels is maintained.
3. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized.
4. Rapid saturation occurs.

Whatever type of nuts a person chooses, it should be remembered that they are high-calorie foods, so you should not abuse them too much; you should consume no more than 50 g of fruits per day.

The use of nuts in cosmetology

Nuts are mainly used in cooking, but many of them are a real treasure in the production of cosmetic products.

• The oil contained in walnut kernels and leaves nourishes the skin and saturates it with fats. Its use is especially useful for dry skin; rough skin will become soft when used. Also, the extracts contained in walnuts will help with burns, heal wounds, and restore parts of the skin affected by eczema and dermatoses. You can use the oil to treat psoriasis. Used in the production of cosmetic products in creams. Lip balm, in tanning products. Another amazing property of walnut essential oils is that they are widely used in everyday life, in the manufacture of various repellent products. The strong but pleasant smell perfectly protects against mosquitoes and midges.
• Botanically, almond is not a shrub or tree of the plum family. Almond oil has moisturizing properties and is used to create creams and shampoos, hair masks, and massage oils. Almond oil also protects the body from stretch marks, which is why it is widely used in anti-cellulite massages. The oil also helps improve skin color, actively fights rosacea, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and has regenerating properties.
• Hazelnut oil is used in the manufacture of creams, masks, facial washes, and cosmetic milk. Lip balms, hair and tanning products. Hazelnut oil is suitable for all skin types, which significantly expands the range of its applications and does not clog pores. It has a restorative and soothing effect on the skin. It has a rejuvenating effect, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, gives the skin smoothness and elasticity.
• Macadamia, not as often used in food production as its counterparts, has found its place in cosmetology. Their cost is very high. They have the highest calorie content among nuts, but when used in food they help reduce the intensity of migraine headaches, help with joint diseases, and reduce the manifestation of hypertension. In cosmetology, macadamia is used much more widely than in cooking. Its oil has nourishing, moisturizing, softening properties and provides ideal care for dry, aging skin. It has anti-cellulite properties, therefore it is widely used in the production of massage oils. Also, tanning products based on macadamia oil help to obtain an even and beautiful skin color. And shampoos containing this oil effectively combat brittleness and dryness of hair.
• Cashew nut oil has a beneficial effect on dry, flaky skin. The nuts themselves, according to Japanese scientists, are capable of destroying bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Cashew oil helps fade freckles, treats cracked skin and inflammation. It is used in the production of skin and hair products, used both as an independent product and as part of balms for frostbite and burns.
• Peanut oil is used in the production of toilet soap, shampoos, and creams. It is perfectly absorbed into the skin without leaving an oily sheen on it, it is used in masks for colored and damaged hair, in baby creams, it has a rejuvenating effect, moisturizing, and restorative properties.
• Coconut oil has regenerating, nourishing, moisturizing properties, is beneficial for all skin types, eliminates flaking, and helps normalize fat balance. Coconut pulp extract is used in the production of tanning cosmetics. Coconut is also used in medicine. Oil-based drops are used for ear pain, the ashes formed by burning coconut shells perfectly heal wounds and ulcers, and coconut water replaces saline and has the ability to quickly reduce elevated body temperature.
• Pecan belongs to the Caria genus, one of the most ancient crops on earth; false drupe has a lot of healthy substances: riboflavin, thiamine, beta-carotene, folic acid. Extracts of this hazel are used to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and are used to make creams, nail and hair products.
• Pine nut oil helps smooth out wrinkles, restores nails and hair, gives them a healthy appearance and shine, as part of mouth rinses it helps overcome unpleasant odor and bleeding gums, and also has strengthening properties. Creams containing pine nut oil help improve complexion and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• Pinias are used in anti-aging creams and masks; they help smooth out wrinkles, give the skin elasticity and a healthy glow, and have a rejuvenating effect.

From a medical point of view, all types of nuts have useful healing properties, both when eaten and when used externally as components of various cosmetics. It is important to consume nuts in limited quantities. Almost any nut is an allergen, and if you consume a large amount, the allergy can manifest itself. Nuts are very high in calories, so oversaturation will cause fats to settle in the body rather than being released.

Nutritional value and consumption standards

Despite the large amount of nutrients, amino acids and vitamins, nuts are a high-calorie, quickly digestible product. If you are prone to excess weight or following a diet, you need to monitor the amount and calorie content of tasty kernels eaten.

Most common types of nuts hide complex proteins, essential amino acids, valuable minerals and vitamins in their shells. Regular consumption gives a boost of vivacity and energy, reduces the risk of diseases, and diversifies the menu for any type of diet.

Coconut

Coconut fruits are not nuts, they are the dry kernels of the tropical coconut palm. The diameter of the fruit can reach 25-30 cm, weight reaches four kg. Palm trees grow on the coasts of Southeast Asia, India, Thailand, Hawaii, Polynesia, and the southern states of the USA. The unripe nut contains a sweet and sour white liquid called “coconut milk.” As it ripens, the liquid thickens and turns into aromatic pulp.

Coconuts are rich in anti-aging cycotins, which stimulate cell regeneration, antioxidants, healthy fats and microelements:

• Selenium improves thyroid function.
• Iron increases the number of red blood cells and stimulates metabolic reactions.
• Phosphorus and calcium support muscle tone.
• Magnesium stimulates brain activity, relieves stress and insomnia
• Lauric acid restores the immune system and stops inflammatory processes.
• Fructose provides the body's energy needs.
• Fiber and vitamin B 6 prevent the development of atherosclerosis and stimulate the digestive tract and intestines.

Due to the high glycemic index, they are contraindicated for diabetes and a tendency to be overweight. An abundance of fiber and dietary fiber can cause intestinal upset. Coconut is used in its natural and dried form, and aromatic oil is made from the pulp. The delicate taste of coconut milk enhances the aroma of fish, seafood and vegetables. Fresh pulp is added to confectionery products and spicy sauces, and dried pulp is used in the production of exotic alcoholic drinks.

Pistachios

The nuts ripen in the dense large drupes of the low multi-stemmed Pistachio tree (Pistacia vera), common in Central Asia, the USA, Iran, Turkey and Greece. The skin of the fruit is yellow or reddish in color and, after ripening, opens to reveal a greenish kernel. Pistachios rationally combine healthy fats, amino acids and microelements. Nuts tone the body, normalize the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and help with chronic exhaustion.

Vitamins A and E eliminate inflammatory processes, protect cell structure from destruction, and stimulate the production of hormones. Pistachio oil saturates the body with antioxidants, neutralizes anemia, helps with influenza, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

The maximum nutrients are preserved in raw nuts collected at the end of summer. In cooking they are used in dried and salted form: added to sausages, meat sauces, desserts, chocolate, ice cream. They are a strong allergen; overeating may cause nausea and dizziness. The price of peeled pistachios is 1400-1590 rubles/kg.