Types of Mixed Nuts

Nuts are not just a tasty snack, they can pack a powerful nutritional punch when eaten in moderation and as part of a healthy diet. Among the nutrients found in various nuts are unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia and pecans are among the nuts that can be beneficial to your health by helping to lower the LDL cholesterol in your blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Coatings and some cooking preparations add calories and reduce health benefits. Nuts are frequently sold in assorted combinations. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Roasted

Roasted nuts maybe salted or unsalted.

In one of two common nut roasting processes, large quantities of nuts pass through a hot oil bath while traveling on a conveyor belt. In basket roasting, nuts are placed in a stainless steel basket and immersed in hot oil. Roasted nut mixes may be salted or unsalted and frequently include dried fruit. Mixes include almonds, walnuts, coconuts, apricots and dates; pecans, almonds, raisins, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds; and Brazils, pecans, almonds, filberts, cashews, pistachios and macadamia nuts.

Raw

Unshelled raw nuts offer untouched flavor.

Getting as close to nature as you can in a jar, raw nuts are typically unshelled nuts that are neither cooked nor salted. They may even be organic. Varieties of raw mixed nuts include Brazils, walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts and filberts; cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, filberts and pecans; and almonds, cashews, pecans, filberts, walnuts, Brazils and macadamias.

Sweet/Sugar Coated

Candy coatings add calories and neutralize health benefits.

Coated nut mixes are less healthy than their non-coated cousins, usually due to the high sugar content of the sweet coating. Among coated nut mixes offered are butter toffee mixed nuts with almonds, peanuts, cashews and pecans; a maple syrup-coated mix with almonds, cashews, peanuts and walnuts; and honey-glazed mixed nuts with cashews, almonds, Brazils and walnuts.

Spiced

Spices can add a sweet or hot flavor profile to nuts.

Spiced nuts are covered or coated in mild to varying degrees of hot spices; mixes frequently include seeds and snacks. Varieties available are a hot and spicy mix of peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and rice crackers; lime and chili-mixed nuts with cashews, peanuts and almonds; and Cajun nut mix with pecans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, corn and sesame seeds.