Toasting nuts

To get the most from your nuts, toasting is the way to go. How does that work?

Toasting saves on cost and calories. That’s because toasting intensifies the flavor. You need fewer nuts for the same boost in taste.

Toasting allows you to moderate the amount of salt in the nuts you eat. You can buy unsalted nuts and add only a small amount of salt (or none at all), depending on the levels of salt your health can tolerate. Less is, of course, best. But I confess that I do add the tiniest bit to my nuts for added oomph.

Toasting is also useful if for some reason your nuts have lost their crispness. If they have been stored with dried fruit, or if they were left in a humid place for a few days, toast them up and store them  in a well-sealed container, and they are as good as new.

Toasting is easy. Here’s how.

Toasted nuts

1. Preheat oven to 350̊F.
2. Spread the nuts in an even layer on the baking sheet. I often use a cake tin for smaller amounts, as the higher sides allow me to shake the pan easily to distribute them evenly.
3. Drizzle a teaspoon of neutral-tasting oil  over a cup or two of  nuts and toss to coat evenly. Canola and avocado oils are two I like.
4. Sprinkle a little sea salt (I use Malden smoked sea salt) mixed with a few generous shakes of smoked paprika (or your favorite seasonings) over the nuts and mix again.
5. Roast in the oven for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the tin and gently shake it to redistribute the nuts. Return to the oven.
7. Check the nuts again after 3 minutes. You are looking for the color to be a few shades darker. They should start to smell nutty and you might hear them crackling.
8. If they need more heat, return to the oven for another 2 minutes. Mine are usually done after the first 8 minutes, but it depends on your oven.
9. When the nuts are done, immediately transfer them onto a plate or another baking sheet. Do not cool the nuts on the tray they were baked on or they will scorch.

For more about why we should eat nuts regularly, check out some of Vinny’s previous posts about nuts. He has quite a few up here, with lots of NUTritional tips and  easy recipes.

• For another, more complex but delicious way to roast nuts, try them candied
• Eat just half a handful of nuts a day to reduce the risk of early death
• Find out why walnuts are extra special
• Let’s not forget the marvellous macadamia
• An ode to almonds, the nut everyone loves

The writing is on the walnut. My advice for a long and healthy life… Tie yourself in nuts!