Average person consumes 4.6 kilos of nuts

The consumption of nuts consistently ranges between 3.8 to 4.6 kilos per person. Peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachio and walnuts have been named as some of the favorite types of nuts. In the last fiscal year (July 2014- July 2015) the Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (German Federal Bureau of Agriculture and Food) recorded that 345,200 tons of nuts were imported and consumed in Germany alone.

The mostly commonly consumed are peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, Brazilian nuts and coconuts. The most popular however is the peanut; in the fiscal year of 2014 Germans consumed a total of 105,000 tons of peanuts (with and without the shell). In second place, the almonds with a total of 78,000 tons. Third place belongs to hazelnuts, with 53,000 tons. Cashews, walnuts and pistachios all had similar amounts of consumption.

Cashews, walnuts and pistachios are neck and neck

In 2014/15 the net import of cashews is the fourth largest in Germany, at a total of 31,000 tons. Fifth place belongs to walnuts (with the shell) with a total of about 25,000 tons and pistachios in sixth place with a total import of 22,500 tons. Coco/Brazilian nuts had about 4,000 tons. These amounts are based on the most current data available.

Quality check and tips for storage

The best way to tell how fresh a nut is, is by looking at the flesh. The lighter the flesh, the fresher it is and the more yellow the flesh, the older it is. If the nut rattles inside it's shell, that is a sign that the nut has dried out. The nut should be intact and should not have a musty scent. Nuts still in the shell or even whole nuts will typically last longer than pre-cut or chopped nuts. The reason being, the chopped nuts do not last as long because the natural oils of the nuts become rancid quicker due to exposure. The packaging will also affect the self-life and the quality of the products. Whole nuts or nuts in their shell will last the longest in nets or in wooden boxes. Plastic bags will collect moisture that can promote mold.

Compact source of nutrition

What's inside? These "power nuts" provide a huge amount of our daily requirements. Depending on the type of nut, every 100 grams provides between 42% to 73% of the fat we require daily and up to 25% of the protein. Also they contain a good source for fiber, minerals, vitamin B, vitamin C and folic acid. To promote health, it is recommend we eat a moderate amount to benefit from their unsaturated fatty acids.

Source: www.ble.de