Nut
Nuts are fruits. They are defined as dry, single-seeded fruits that have high oil content. They are usually enclosed in a leathery or solid outer layer. In botany terms, nuts are strictly a particular kind of dry fruit that has a single seed, a hard shell, and a protective husk.
Nuts are an important source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife. However, many nuts are too small to be a significant food source for humans, while others are highly toxic when not prepared properly.
Nuts are a common food source for animals in the wild. This is especially true for squirrels, birds, and other rodents who store many nuts to eat throughout the winter months. However, humans can also use nut wood as a good source of firewood. Some kinds of nuts, such as acorns and horse chestnuts, are toxic when unprocessed.
Nuts have been part of traditional medicine around the world for centuries. For example, the bark from a willow tree was used as an analgesic as early as 1762 B.C., documented on Egyptian papyri. Some nuts, such as chestnuts and walnuts, have tanning properties and can be used to help preserve leather.
Nuts are sometimes found in food. For example, cashews are often found deep-fried in Indian dishes, while macadamia nuts are an important part of chocolate confections around the world. Nuts are also used in some traditional medicines, such as the Ayurveda medicine of India.
Whole nuts can be eaten either raw or roasted. Nuts are mostly composed of carbohydrates and fat, although small amounts of protein and vitamins may also be found. Some common types of commercially available nuts include almonds, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
Nuts are a very healthy food choice. They can be eaten as a snack or as part of a meal, either whole or in the form of oils, flour, butter, etc. Nuts have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease along with many other health benefits.
Nuts have been valuable as a food source for both humans and wildlife since prehistoric times. Because nuts generally have a high oil content, they are a highly prized food in the western world. Nuts are also valued by many indigenous people for their purported health benefits.
As an energy source, nuts are considered "superfoods" because of their supposed ability to promote weight loss and improve general well-being. Nuts are high in protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, and various micronutrients including magnesium, iron, and vitamin E.
Nuts are an important source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife. However, many nuts are too small to be a significant food source for humans, while others are highly toxic when not prepared properly.
Global nut production
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global nut production in 2013 was estimated at nearly 5.5 million metric tons. The top five nut-producing countries are Brazil, Vietnam, India, the United States, and China.
Brazil is the world's largest producer of nuts, with an estimated 1.4 million metric tons in 2013. Brazil is followed by Vietnam, India, the United States, and China. These five countries account for more than 70% of global nut production.
The top 10 nut-producing countries in the world are:
1. Brazil
2. Vietnam
3. India
4. United States
5. China
6. Iran
7. Indonesia
8. Turkey
9. Mexico
10. Philippines
The United States is the world's largest exporter of nuts, with an estimated 1.2 million metric tons in 2013. Brazil is the second-largest exporter, followed by Vietnam, India, and China.
Global nut production has increased significantly in recent years, growing from 4.4 million metric tons in 2009 to 5.5 million metric tons in 2013. The majority of this growth has been driven by increases in production in Brazil, Vietnam, and India. The global nut market is valued at an estimated $13 billion. The United States is the largest market for nuts, followed by China and India.