All nuts are not created equal
When it comes to nuts, there are a lot of different options. Not just the type of nut, but the preparation style. Do you want a healthy snack? Or just a salty, greasy, highly-flavored low-carb treat? And how do you feel about "scroop"?
"Scroop" is the wonderful and amazing word that describes the texture of damp silk, corn starch, and nuts like hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts. That weird crunch that some people (myself included) love. But for others, it's like fingernails on a blackboard.
Brazil nuts have a ton of nutritional benefits, but a lot of people can't handle that much scroop. I understand. I also have a problem where if the topic of Brazil nuts comes up in the presence of certain older members of my extended family, they feel obliged to point out what "we used to call those back in the 50s," and gross.
Health-wise, macadamia nuts are one of the worst offenders. Even before they get oiled up and roasted, macadamias are higher in fat and calories than most other nuts. It's the good kind of fat (monounsaturated) but still.
As for peanuts, they are not nuts, they are legumes. Although they are high in protein and delicious, they also have a lot of carbs. And if you're talking peanut butter, there's a ton of sugar in there. Tasty, tasty sugar.
I'm finding it increasingly easier to find raw nut mixtures. I recently discovered a premium raw nut mixture at Target which includes pistachios (so decadent!) and no peanuts (GTFO, peanuts). Trader Joe's carries a similar assortment, but it costs more. Raw almonds are also more readily available now than ever before, but I still have trouble finding raw nut mixes at the grocery store.
But what I (and a lot of other low-carb snackers) want to know is, when are they going to start making pork rinds in flavors like Doritos?
Image courtesy Flickr/jawcey