Author
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Grauke, Larry |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2002 Publication Date: 12/1/2002 Citation: GRAUKE, L.J. NUTS. KATZ, S.H., EDITOR. SCRIBNER LIBRARY OF DAILY LIFE/THOMAS & GALE, NEW YORK, NY. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FOOD AND CULTURE: FOOD PRODUCTION TO NUTS. 2002. V. 2. P. 605-614. Interpretive Summary: Nut crops have been important foods for humans since prehistoric times. The plants producing nut crops vary from the peanut, a low-growing annual that makes nuts underground, to the brazil nut, a giant evergreen tree whose nuts are produced in large pods so high above ground that they can kill animals they fall on. Each nut crop has an interesting history telling where it was first found and used, and how it was moved to new areas and is now grown and used. The food value of the different nut crops is also provided. Some nut crops, like the coconut, are important sources of building materials as well as food products. Others, like cashew, make products that have valuable industrial uses. Technical Abstract: This entry concerning world nut crops was prepared for The Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. The chapter on Nuts includes information concerning a diverse group of world nut crops: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. The plant biology is given for each crop, along with the history of utilization, general information on current practices of culture and procurement, and an overview of global issues affecting the crop. |
