Some perceived nuts like Pistachios, Pine Nuts and Cashews are actually seeds. There are other edible seeds, but in this article we showcase seeds that we often use in Nutty Kitchen’s recipes.

So with that said, let’s talk about Pine Nuts first.

Since the Paleolithic period, pine nuts have been eaten in Europe and Asia.  They are most excellent in fish, meat and poultry dishes.  In Italian they are called pinoli or pignoli and are an essential component of Italian pesto sauce. The pignoli cookie, an Italian specialty confection, is made of almond flour formed into a dough similar to that of a macaroon and then topped with pine nuts.  I often use pine nuts as topping for various salads.  Throughout Europe and Middle East the pine nuts used are from the Stone Pine.  They are easily distinguished from the Asian pine nuts by their more slender shape and more homogeneous flesh.  Asian pine nuts are a bit cheaper, so they tend to be used more often.  Pine nuts contain thiamine, vitamin B1 and protein. Make sure to refrigerate pine nuts as they deteriorate quickly and become rancid.

Chia Seeds

We use it for intestinal health by mixing a teaspoon into your favorite drink, almond milk, sheep or goat yogurt. A 100-gram serving of chia seeds is a rich source of the B vitamins thiamine and niacin (54% and 59%, respectively of the Daily Value (DV)), and a good source of the B vitamins riboflavin and folate (14% and 12%, respectively). The same amount of chia seeds is also a rich source of the dietary minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc (more than 20% DV) (table). Source: Wikipedia

Sunflower

Most people love sunflower seeds, they are packed with Vitamin E, an important antioxidant and a fighter against free radicals. Sunflower seeds have a high content of minerals like magnesium and manganese, as most seeds do, but there is a downside:  sunflower seeds have a fairly high amount of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA). Because of the high PUFA content, it is important to consume sunflower seeds in small quantities.  Too much can be very unhealthy.

Sesame

Sesame seeds are exceptionally rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium, contain vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin E (tocopherol). They also contain lignans, including the unique content of sesamin, which are phytoestrogens with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Among edible oils from six plants, sesame oil had the highest antioxidant content. Sesame seeds also contain phytosterols associated with reduced levels of blood cholesterol. The nutrients of sesame seeds are better absorbed if they are ground or pulverized before consumption, as in tahini. We use it in salads, baking and other dishes both in seed form and oil. Black sesame seeds are our favorite when searing Ahi Tuna steaks.

Pumpkin

The seeds are also good sources of protein,  and the essential minerals iron can provide over 20% of the recommended daily iron intake, as well as zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium. The seeds also provide essential PUFAs with at least one Omega 3 and one Omega 6 unsaturated fatty acid. They are excellent when roasted and added to salads or just as a snack on the go.

Flax

Flax seeds are chemically stable while whole, and milled flax-seed can be stored at least 4 months at room temperature with minimal or no changes in taste, smell, or chemical markers of rancidity. Ground flaxseed can go rancid at room temperature in as little as one week. We refrigerate both the ground and the seeds to avoid spoilage. Flax has a very subtle nutty flavor and is great when sprinkled over yogurt or used in cooking and/or baking.  It also contains high levels of lignans and Omega 3 fatty acids. Flax-seed may also lower cholesterol levels, especially in women and may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate are listed as high-fiber in charts of nutritional value.  The fiber, as well as the unsaturated fat they offer, is entirely contained in the seeds.  People who choose to avoid the seed forfeit nutritional benefits conveyed by the seeds fiber, fat and micronutrients.  This fruit has been sought after for centuries in many cultures, and remains a delicacy today. We love sprinkling pomegranate seeds on our fruit bowl with Greek yogurt and flax for breakfast or sprinkle it on our salads as a refreshing and interesting addition.