Fairly traded and delicious: the nut range from Keimling natural food
The high-quality nut range from Keimling Naturkost. Fair and healthy nutrient bombs for your conscious diet.
Nuts have become a valued part of our modern lives for many reasons. Whether as a practical snack between meals or as a versatile ingredient in the kitchen - these little powerhouses have become firmly established in our everyday lives. No wonder, because nuts not only offer enjoyment, but also numerous benefits for our health.
After a long day at work, it is a real pleasure to treat yourself to a handful of these delicious nuts. The full flavour unfolds with every bite - be it the creamy almond flavour or the hearty walnuts that take us straight back to nature. These snacks are not only a treat, but also real nutrient bombs that provide us with energy for the next day. Whether in muesli, in salads or simply on their own - nuts are the ideal companion that not only delight the palate, but also improve our well-being and enrich our diet.
Nuts are a valued part of a healthy diet for many reasons. They contain a variety of valuable nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins - especially vitamin E - and healthy fats, especially unsaturated fatty acids. Despite their high calorie density, they contribute to satiety due to their nutrient concentration and therefore support a balanced diet. Studies have shown that regular consumption of nuts can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Nuts have also been shown to help with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and psoriasis. They are also rich in folic acid, which is particularly important for pregnant women.
Their versatility - whether as a snack between meals, sprinkled over salads or in muesli and desserts - makes nuts an enrichment for numerous dishes. Despite their high fat content, studies show that they can even help you lose weight, as their fat is not fully absorbed by the body and they keep you feeling full for a long time. In addition, nuts provide choline and lecithin, which are important for brain performance, which is why they are often referred to as "trail mix".
INFO: The nuts that are valued in Europe today have a long and interesting history that is closely linked to the development of agriculture and the exchange between cultures.
- Almonds: The almond is one of the oldest cultivated types of nut and originally comes from the Middle East. It was cultivated over 4,000 years ago in what is now Iran and Turkey. With the spread of trade, the almond reached Europe, where it became particularly popular in the Mediterranean region.
- Cashew nuts: Cashew nuts originally come from Brazil, where the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is native. In the course of the 16th century, they were brought to India and Africa by Portuguese sailors, where they quickly spread. Today, cashews are a popular snack and ingredient in many cuisines around the world, appreciated for their mild, slightly sweet flavour and their versatility in vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Walnuts: Walnuts originated in Central Asia and were brought to Europe via trade routes. Today they are widespread and are cultivated in many European countries.
- Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts are one of the most expensive types of nut and originally come from Australia. The Aborigines have been using the nuts as a food source for thousands of years. They were discovered by European colonists in the 19th century and began to be cultivated commercially. Today, macadamia nuts are mainly cultivated in Australia, Hawaii and South Africa and are known for their rich, buttery flavour and high fat content.
- Peanuts: The peanut, botanically known as Arachis hypogaea, has its origins in South America, where it has been cultivated for over 3,500 years. It was brought to North America by the transatlantic trade in the 19th century and quickly developed into an important crop. Peanuts are not only popular as a snack, but are also an important ingredient in many dishes and products such as peanut butter. They are rich in protein and healthy fats and play an important role in global agriculture.
- Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are also native to Europe and have been collected since the Stone Age. Today, they are grown throughout Europe, particularly in countries such as Turkey, Italy and Spain.
- Pecans: Pecans are originally from North America and were first introduced to Europe in the 18th century. Their sweet flavour quickly made them a popular ingredient in many recipes.
- Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts are a tropical nut species from the Amazon region and were used by indigenous peoples before being exported to Europe in the 19th century. Due to their special growing conditions, however, they are less common.
- Pistachios: Pistachios originally come from the Orient and were introduced to the Mediterranean region over the centuries. Today, they are an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Cedar kernels: Cedar kernels, also known as pine nuts, come from various types of pine trees and have their origins in the Mediterranean regions and North America. They have been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Special features of cultivation and harvesting
The cultivation of nuts requires specific climatic conditions, which are often subtropical or tropical. Almonds, for example, require warm summers and cold winters for pollination. Hazelnuts grow best in temperate climates with sufficient humidity. And walnuts need deep soil and plenty of light for optimum growth.
The harvest time for most walnuts is in autumn. Harvesting is often done mechanically or manually, with the nuts being shaken or picked from the trees. The post-harvest treatment is decisive for the quality of the nuts: They have to be washed, dried and often cracked. A particular feature of nut cultivation is the need for careful care during the growing cycle. Many types of nuts are susceptible to pests and diseases, which requires a great deal of care.
Organic certification is a central component of the philosophy of Keimling Naturkost philosophy. It guarantees that our nuts are not only grown organically, but also sustainably. The strict guidelines of organic certification ensure, among other things, that the products are free from genetic engineering, preservatives and chemical additives.
And not without reason ...
Organic farming has a positive influence on the quality and flavour of nuts. Compared to conventional farming, no synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilisers are used in the production of organic nuts, which not only protects the environment but also improves worker safety. These sustainable cultivation methods promote the natural health of the soil and plants, which is reflected in the quality of the nuts. In addition, the processing of organic nuts avoids the use of harmful chemicals that can be used in conventional methods, such as methyl bromide for pest control. Instead, gentler methods such as pressure and carbon dioxide are used, which not only protect the nuts but also preserve their natural flavour. The combination of these factors means that organic nuts often have a more intense flavour and therefore retain a crunchier texture.
They are also not bleached with sulphur, which is common with conventional nuts in order to achieve a uniform colour. This can result in organic nuts having a more irregular but more authentic appearance, reflecting the natural character of the nuts. For example, once the macadamia nuts have reached optimum ripeness, they are gently cut from the trees and processed on the same day. Shelling takes place immediately after harvesting and the macadamia nuts are immediately transferred to special drying chambers, where they are dried at a maximum temperature of 35 °C and a relative humidity of 35 % over a period of five days. This slow and gentle drying method is crucial for preserving the nuts' valuable nutrients while ensuring a long shelf life. Mass-produced goods, on the other hand, are dried at high temperatures within a day - with a high loss of nutrients.
→ In the case of Keimling natural foods, the nuts are also processed under raw food conditions, which means that the temperatures during drying do not exceed 45 °C. This ensures that the valuable ingredients are preserved and the nuts can be enjoyed in their purest form.
Another important aspect makes the nuts from Keimling Naturkost particularly valuable
Keimling Naturkost works exclusively with small farmers in long-term partnerships and can therefore ensure that the farmers are paid fairly and work under humane conditions. Every purchase from the Keimling Naturkost range not only supports sustainable farming methods, but also contributes to improving the living conditions of small farmers.
Nuts are a healthy and versatile snack that enriches a vegetarian and vegan diet in particular. We recommend eating around 25 grams (a handful) of nuts per day to benefit from their numerous advantages. Discover the variety of nuts for yourself and enjoy these little power packs as part of a modern, balanced lifestyle!