More research is needed to fully determine the importance of phytochemicals to good health. Nuts fall into the Meat, Eggs, Poultry, Fish Dry Beans, and Nuts Group. Fitting Nuts into Your Lifestyle Once found primarily in baked goods, cereals, and candy, nuts are now commonplace in main courses and side dishes, especially as people eat more meatless meals. An excellent protein source, nuts add taste and texture that can enhance dishes from salads and pastas to steamed vegetables and stir-fries. Nuts can be enjoyed whole, chopped, or ground, and are suitable for any food, dish, or preparation.
Almonds are also available sliced, slivered, and diced.
When purchasing whole, unshelled nuts, look for clean shells without cracks. Whole, raw shelled nuts should appear relatively uniform in color and size. Store nuts in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container. Nuts keep up to a month in the pantry or several months in the refrigerator or freezer. Reduce heat to medium.