Rancid nutmeats will ruin whatever food they flavor. To be sure that nuts are fresh whether shelled or unshelled buy them from a supplier with rapid turnover. Because of their high fat content, rancidity is always a hazard with nuts. For that reason they should be stored airtight in a cool place. Shelled nuts can be refrigerated in this manner up to 4 months, frozen up to 6 months.
Nuts are high in calcium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fiber.
Some scientific studies have concluded that a daily portion of just 1 ounce of nuts rich in monounsaturated can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 10 percent. The nuts highest in monounsaturated fat are almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. Nuts are wonderful simply eaten out of hand as well as used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes for meals from breakfast to dinner. The flavor of most nuts benefits from a light toasting, either on stovetop or in the oven. Often a flaw, but when it's close to an oaky flavor it can be a plus.