Nut … rageously good eating

Vibrant Life, July-August, 2002 by Jana Bowen, Georgia E. Hodgkin

Storing Nuts

As nuts age, they can become rancid. To ensure they will stay fresh as long as possible, proper storage techniques are important. An open package of shelled nuts will last about 36 months in the freezer, 24 months in the refrigerator, and 18 months in your pantry. For best results store your nuts in an airtight container in the freezer. Always smell and taste prior to using in a recipe.

Roasting Nuts

Oven roasting: On an ungreased cooking sheet, spread nuts evenly across pan. Bake for 5-12 minutes in a 350[degrees]F oven; stir once or twice. Remove from cooking sheet to cool. Nuts may continue to brown as they cool.

Stove-top roasting: In a heavy skillet, heat nuts over a medium heat. Constantly stir nuts until they turn a light brown (about 3-8 minutes).

Jana Bowen, student dietitian at Loma Linda University (LLU) in Loma Linda, California, looks forward to a career in community nutrition. Georgia Hodgkin, Ed.D., R.D., F.A.D.A., serves on the LLU faculty in the School of Allied Health Professions, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California.