I've been adding more raw foods into my diet, but I have a few questions regarding nuts. I've done some research about it, but would like to get opinions from other veggies on this board.

1 - What are your favorite raw seeds and nuts?

2 - What are some of the healthiest?

3 - Which nuts/seeds taste better lightly toasted, without losing important nutrients...and which nuts/seeds taste better right out of the package?

Any other advise regarding raw seeds/nuts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi Linda!

I enjoy pretty much all nuts raw and toasted, but a particular staple of raw cuisine is the CASHEW. Pureed, it makes a wonderful cream that can be added to pasta sauces and soups etc. So very yummy.

Now, I'm not a raw-er by any means so I prefer most nuts lightly toasted, especially almonds and hazelnuts. There are varying schools of thought on the nature of nutrients, whether heat destroys or enhances them, and so on. I just eat both, then I figure I win either way. :dunce:

Don't forget to grind flaxseeds before eating as you cannot digest them whole.

As Brah said, cashews are great, especially for raw foodists. I also love sunflower seeds, as you can eat them plain in a trail mix, or add them to a salad. Sesame seeds are good too, you can probably make good nut butters with them, or grind them up to put in sauces or use as oils.

Walnuts are good for you and have Omega-3, so you should try out recipes with those, or just eat them in a trail mix. They're nice with raisins.

I'm not sure about the toasted/untoasted thing, I didn't think raw foodists ate even lightly toasted nuts. Of course, that's up to you. Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and soy beans (not a nut, but go well with them) taste great.

I love making a mixture of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (very healthy) and almonds and raisins mixed in. I'm not sure how that is for food combining but it's really good.

:)