Nuts Roasting Machine

(Macadamia integrifolia), and Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa). The consumer definition also

includes peanuts (Arachis hypogea), which botanically are groundnuts or legumes but are widely

identified as part of the nuts food group. In addition, peanuts have a similar nutrient profile to tree

nuts [5,6]. Although chestnuts (Castanea sativa) are tree nuts as well, they are different from all other

common nuts because of being starchier and having a different nutrient profile. For the purpose of this

review, the term “nuts” includes all common tree nuts [with the exception of chestnuts] plus peanuts.

Nuts, seeds and pulses are all nutrient dense foods and have been a regular constituent of mankind’s

diet since pre-agricultural times [7]. In Western countries nuts are consumed as snacks, desserts or part

of a meal, and are eaten whole (fresh or roasted), in spreads (peanut butter, almond paste), as oils or

hidden in commercial products, mixed dishes, sauces, pastries, ice creams and baked goods.

In the last century, nut consumption in most industrialized nations followed a downward trend to become only a

marginal source of energy in the daily diet, except for vegetarians and other health-conscious

populations, such as Seventh Day Adventists [8,9]. However, nut consumption has increased in recent