PEANUTS Peanuts are rich in some minerals like zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese and copper. The fibres (25g each 100 g) and E vitamin content is remarkably high as well. Even though cholesterol-free, peanuts are really rich in lipids, in particular in oleic acid, the same found in huge quantities in olive oil. The sodium content is extremely low, but it’s remarkably higher in snacks made with salted and toasted shelled peanuts. Even if peanuts are a food with very good properties, they are not fully suitable in a low fat diet. However they can be used in small amounts (15-20 g) to counterbalance a snack too rich in glucides. When buying peanuts it would be better to choose quality products, avoiding low cost ones. The woody pods shall be intact, crisp and good looking. Peanuts are a food at risk of aflatoxins indeed, substances of microbical origin that are apparently linked to the onset of serious diseases. Last but not least peanuts are a good source of polyphenols, especially for resveratrol, a substance with a high antioxidant power. Nutritional values are reported in the section “Nutritional Values”. Di Nunzio peanuts are harvested in Israel, Egypt and China, then roasted, selected and packed directly by Di Nunzio. We offer the following varieties of peanuts:

Anacardium L. is a genus of tropical trees of Anacardiaceae family. In its natural state, gender is exclusive of the tropical and equatorial regions of Central and South America. The best known species, cashew (Anacardium occidentale), native to northeastern Brazil, is widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world for its fruit and its seed (cashew nut). The cashew seed is wrapped in an easily removable caustic substance to make the edible seed. That same substance enters into the oil production of cashew shells. Cashews also contain 35% protein (medium biological value) and 16% of the total carbohydrate content.

HAZEL NUTS Hazelnuts are an effective substitute for seasonings and foods rich in protein of animal origin. Their nutritional importance results also from the high fibres, vitamins (E, B6 vitamins, folates and thiamine) and minerals (copper, iron, manganese and calcium) content. When eaten in small quantities they have antioxidant, invigorating, hypoglicemising and hypocholesterolising properties (they are a good source of plant sterols). As they are a high-calorie food they should be eaten with moderation (10-20 g are more than enough), possibly between meals and together with a pulpy fruit (kiwi, banana, apple). Nutritional values are reported in the section “Nutritional Values”. Di Nunzio hazelnuts are harvested in Italy and Turkey, then roasted, selected and packed directly by Di Nunzio. We offer the following varieties of hazelnuts:

PISTACHIOS Pistachios are the seeds in the pistachio fruit (Pistacia vera), an up to 10 m high tree with a dense high crown. These long and more or less flat shaped seeds can be eaten au naturel, roasted and salted, or as an ingredient for several recipes (sauces, seasonings, nougat, ice creams and sweets in general). It is advised buying quality products. Pistachios are a food at risk of aflatoxins indeed, substances of microbical origin that are apparently linked to the onset of serious diseases. Au naturel pistachios are a low sodium and low fat food, yet rich in B6 vitamin, thiamine, copper, phosphorous, potassium, iron and manganese. The lipidic content is high, thus making their energy contribution high, even higher than many sweets, salami and fat sausages. Nutritional values are reported in the section “Nutritional Values”. Di Nunzio pistachios are harvested in Iran and California, then roasted, selected and packed directly by Di Nunzio.

ALMONDS Almonds are mainly used in confectionery, where they are an important ingredient and decoration for many different sweets (nougat, cakes, puddings, almond cakes and comfits). Almonds are usually eaten both au naturel and roasted, sugar-coated or salted. The almond tree seed abounds in some vitamins (mainly riboflavin and E vitamin), as well as in many mineral salts (manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper and phosphorous). The protein content is another factor that makes almonds a first-class food, easy to digest and highly invigorating. Because of their high-calorie contribution (almost 600 calories each 100 grams), almonds should be eaten with moderation (not more than 10-15 per day), in particular by people who are a little far from their ideal weight. Bitter almonds are not suitable for the human diet as they contain a toxic glycoside (amygdalin), which is inactivated through an extended cooking. The bitterer an almond is, the more poisonous it is. The extract of these seeds is used in small and harmless quantities to bake sweet specialties like the “amaretto” or macaroons. Almonds in shells are easy to preserve when stored in a fresh and dry place. When shelled, almonds perish quickly, therefore they shall be stored in a fresh and dry place, especially during the hot seasons. Nutritional values are reported in the section “Nutritional Values”. Di Nunzio almonds are harvested in Italy, Spain, California and Chile, then selected and packed directly by Di Nunzio and sold off au naturel or roasted. We offer the following varieties of almonds:

WALNUTS Walnuts are a high energy food as they contain high quantities of lipids, mainly polyunsaturated. In particular walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid. These fats are credited for lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Being rich in antioxidants, walnuts also help reducing the oxidative stress and preventing skin and cell ageing. Its protein has curative properties as well. They are particularly rich in an amino acid, arginine, that is processed by the cells of the vessel wall to obtain nitroxide, a substance that can prevent and fight arteriosclerosis. Moreover, they are rich in mineral salts (copper, zinc, iron and phosphorous), B-group vitamins and E vitamin. According to what stated by the American researchers of the Marshall University School of Medicine, the antioxidants content of walnuts is excellent to prevent breast cancer. Although they are high-calorie food, walnuts are healthy thanks to the omega-3 fatty acid content, and have several properties. Antioxidants control the production of free radicals and help preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancers. To date scientific tests are not yet enough to state for certain that eating walnuts prevents breast cancer. Notwithstanding the doubts, scientists are more and more convinced that antioxidants have a positive influence on health in general and play a great role in helping to prevent several diseases, not least the hideous breast cancer. Di Nunzio walnuts are harvested in Argentina, California, Ukraine, Brazil, Chile and Italy and mainly selected and packed directly by Di Nunzio. We offer the following varieties of walnuts:

The Brazil nut, commonly known as the Brazil nut or Brazil nut (brazil nut trade name) is a large Amazonian tree that produces perhaps the only species in the world market of dried fruits peculiar to natural areas, without cultivation. The Brazil nut is harvested during the rainy period, from December to March, from local pickers who move temporarily in the forest, often with families, to collect the fruit. In Italy, the Brazil nut is still little known and normally marketed under the shell. Most of the production is sent to Europe for the food industry. Since, however, also the high fat content, the nut is also used for the production of edible oil. The Brazil nut contains, among other minerals, also good amount of selenium.

PINE NUTS Pine nuts are the seeds contained in the cones of some pine tree breeds. They are used to prepare sweet and salted dishes. In confectionery pine nuts are used in ice creams, cookies and in some typical cakes (as the “Torta della Nonna”). Di Nunzio pine nuts are harvested in Italy, Spain, China and Pakistan.

PUMPKIN SEEDS Pumpkin seeds are particularly used as snack or appetizer. The active ingredients of the pumpkin seeds are known for being a help preventing all disorders of the urinary system, both male and female, as cystitis and bladder inflammation. Di Nunzio pumpkin seeds are harvested in Ukraine and China, then mainly roasted and packed directly by Di Nunzio.

Dried fruit, has a very high nutritional value with higher satiety index than other sources of fat such as oils, mayonnaise and butter. If consumed in small amounts, causes no weight gain ... as usual, just do not overdo it!
                 It 'important to take a certain amount of dried fruit lipid every day (especially walnuts), as the fat contained in it are predominating in mono and polyunsaturated, and therefore the health benefits of the arteries.
                 Dried fruits, despite being a very energetic food, contradicts the false belief of making you fat. In contrast, controlled trials showed no significant weight changes, and sometimes even a reduction, in people who do regular consumption of nuts. The authors explain these results with the high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids contained in nuts and also point out that regular consumption of nuts helps to give a sense of satiety, limiting the consumption of other foods.