Edible tree nuts in New Zealand

Abstract

Tree nuts have been used as a food since antiquity and several are mentioned in the Bible. Walnuts were cultivated in King Solomon's garden; pistachio nuts were carried down to Egypt by Joseph's brothers; and almonds were used as models for ornamentation of the candlesticks in the Temple. Their history has been written in most countries and by many races of people . Nuts were associated with the foods of the early Egyptians, Romans, Cananites, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, American Indians, Latin Americans, Africans and others. Their history and folklore, associated with the nostalgic memories many have of gathering nuts in autumn, give tree nuts a romance, which sets them apart from other fruits. Edible tree nuts are produced by a diverse range of trees belonging to a number of botanical families. These are listed in Table 1. Nuts are a high energy food with concentrated aroma, flavour, fat (except for chestnuts), protein and vitamins. In Western society they are often regarded as titbits, a special treat to be added to sweets, cakes, biscuits and salted specialities, or to be served at parties. However, nuts served as a substantial part of the main dish are a valuable addition to the meal. Their value in comparison to other foods is discussed in Part 2. Whilst nuts are used in relatively small quantities, each year over 1100 tonnes of different types of nuts are imported into New Zealand to meet consumer and processing demands. As most tree nuts are infrequently grown here, there appears to be potential for evaluation of a large number of species, and the commercial or semi-commercial development of a few which have already proven promising.