Nuts aren’t just snacks to enjoy on their own. They are also widely used in cuisines around the world. This includes Asian recipes, where they add crunch and extra flavour. Take this Thai chicken & cashew stir-fry recipe, for example. When serving a dish that contains nuts, always make sure diners know, as people with nut allergies can suffer serious reactions.
Which kinds of nuts do you use in home cooking?
Nearly all nuts that are widely available in Australia can be used in a range of recipes, and in many cases, different types can be substituted for one another. For instance, macadamias, which are native to Australia, are often a popular alternative to almonds. Similarly, pecans or hazelnuts can be used in place of walnuts, and so on.
Certain nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews, work equally well in both sweet and savoury dishes. Others, however, are better suited to just one style of cooking. Read on to discover which types of nuts are most commonly matched with particular culinary settings.
Nut types suited to savoury dishes
Although they’re technically seeds, pine nuts are a popular choice for savoury dishes, like this pesto, pine nut & parmesan rigatoni recipe, which makes a great midweek treat. They’re best known for their role in homemade pesto, although some shop-bought versions now swap them for cashews. Walnuts also work well in pesto, which is a tasty twist on the classic.
Plenty of other nuts work brilliantly in savoury cooking, too. Our roast veggie & spiced nut bowl proves this. For instance, peanuts are the star of satay sauce and are often crushed and sprinkled over stir-fries. Chestnuts are a festive favourite for stuffing in homes around the world and can also be used to thicken soups. Brazil nuts add richness to savoury bakes, while pistachios bring colour and flavour to many Middle Eastern dishes. You'll often find pistachios used in rice-based recipes from the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa.
Types of nuts suited to sweet dishes
Nut types that are often associated with desserts, cakes and sweet bakes include pecans and macadamias. Both are often included in home-baking recipes for cookies and cakes. In addition, these types of nuts pair well with both dark and white chocolate. Hazelnuts are often made into chocolate-like spreads, good for brownies and flapjack toppings.
Almonds also have a long-standing tradition of being used in sweet foods, including biscotti and frangipane. Finally, kola nuts aren’t common in home cooking but are used commercially in cola drinks and occasionally in confectionery to balance sweetness. They are also used to produce a slightly bitter flavour in sweets, which helps offset the sugar taste of the confections they're used in.
Are nuts healthy ingredients?
If you are following a vegetarian meal plan, then nuts are particularly good for you. They contain some of the fatty acids that you might otherwise miss out on from meat and fish consumption. Although nut allergies mean that not everyone can eat them, most nuts are healthy when eaten in sensible portion sizes.
Nuts are packed with energy, so overeating them should be avoided. Different types of nuts offer different benefits, but they all contain protein and minerals, which are generally healthy. For the best health outcomes, switch between the nuts you eat or make a mix of them so that you consume a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
When is a nut not a nut?
As mentioned, not all types of nuts are true nuts. Some have 'nut' in their name, such as pine nuts or peanuts, but that doesn't mean they're actually nuts. This can create confusion when preparing dishes that contain nuts. The main thing to remember is that, whichever kinds of nuts you're talking about, they subtly vary in flavour and texture. As a result, choosing the right type can make a big difference to the overall outcome of any dish containing them.
Different Types of Nuts in Australia FAQ
How many types of nuts are there?
Believe it or not, there are not many true nuts. In fact, botanists only tend to categorise five true nuts: chestnuts, hazelnuts, acorns, beech nuts and tanoak nuts. If you include stone fruits such as almonds, pecans and walnuts, which are commonly called nuts, then there are around 50 widely recognised varieties.
Are cashew nuts good for you?
Yes, cashew nuts are good for you. They contain many nutrients, including antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, minerals and vitamins, notably vitamins K and B. Like many other nuts, they contain lots of calories, so you should consume them in moderation, especially if they have been salted.
Which type of nut is used in marzipan?
Marzipan derives its distinctive flavour from the inclusion of almonds. Like many other so-called nuts, almonds are not true nuts. In fact, they're closer to cherry and peach stones, botanically speaking. When used in marzipan production, these nuts are ground and mixed with sugar.
Are walnuts good for you?
Yes, walnuts are good for you. This healthy food contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support both brain and heart health. Minerals are abundant in these healthy nuts, too, including magnesium, copper and manganese. Walnuts are often considered one of the healthiest nut types around.
Are pistachios good for you?
Like most nuts, when eaten in sensible portions, pistachios are good for you. They provide vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium and copper, all important minerals. They’re also linked to better eye health, as they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support healthy vision.