Nässen

Nüssen are edible seeds produced by various trees and shrubs and commonly sold as individual kernels inside a hard shell. In everyday usage the term covers a broad group of tree nuts and edible seeds, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, Brazil nuts, and pine nuts. Botanically, some items classed as nuts are seeds contained in a fruit with a hard shell, while others come from different fruit structures; this distinction does not usually affect culinary use.

Most Nüssen are nutritionally dense, offering fats that are predominantly unsaturated, as well as protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are energy-dense, with notable amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. However, they are common allergens and can trigger severe reactions in susceptible individuals.

Worldwide production is concentrated in regions with warm, dry summers and adequate chilling. Major producers include the United States, Turkey, China, India, Iran, and several European and Latin American countries. After harvest, nuts are typically dried, roasted, and salted or processed into oil, meal, or flour. Shelling and quality sorting are standard post-harvest steps.

In cooking, they appear in snacks, baked goods, confections, and savory dishes. Proper storage—cool, dry, dark conditions in airtight containers—extends shelf life; refrigeration or freezing can prolong freshness, especially for kernels with higher oil content.