Q: RECENT ARTICLES HAVE STATED MANY HEALTH BENEFITS ABOUT NUTS, ARE THESE TRUE?

A. Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. Nuts may also be a source of helpful biologically active components found in plant foods, such as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds that are potentially beneficial to people, but not currently classified as vitamins or minerals. They are important "health protectants." Phytochemicals in nuts include ellagic acid, flavonoid, phenolic compounds, luteolin (a major antioxidant), isoflavones and tocotrienols. Several recent epidemiological studies tend to show the inclusion of nuts in diets will work to decrease deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, and renal failure.

Q: DO NUTS HAVE CHOLESTEROL?

A. No. Nuts are derived from plants. Therefore, they do not contain any cholesterol. Cholesterol is contained only in animal food. Also, most nuts are very low in saturated fat. They mainly contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. You have probably heard many times that nuts are high in fat and fat is bad. But are you aware of the fact that there are 2 types of fat? Saturated fat, the "bad fat", increases your low density lipoproteins (LDS) or "bad cholesterol". You can find it in animal fat. Unsaturated fat (monounsaturated & polyunsaturated) is not harmful, and may indeed be beneficial, it helps raising high density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NUTS? A: The most popular nuts are deluxe mixed nuts and whole cashews. Fruit Nut mixes are also very popular i.e. Fisher Nuts & Fruits, Nuts & Crunches. Although peanuts are still in everybody's pantry, consumers tend to explore new nut mixes. Q: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE NUTS? A: SNACK NUTS: Store nuts in a cool and dry area. You should also refrigerate them. BAKING NUTS: Store nuts in a cold and dry area. If you intend to keep the nuts for a long period of time, you can freeze them. Nuts are also "refreezable." After opening, keep the nuts in an airtight container.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NUTS AND PEANUTS?

A: A botanical definition of a nut is a fruit with a hard, dry shell that needs to be cracked open to release the kernel. Nuts grow on trees. However, peanuts are a legume, and are grown underground.

Q: WHERE DO NUTS COME FROM AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

A: Almond trees seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region and are now cultivated in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea as well as California (the largest producer of almonds in the world), Argentina and Chile. Almonds are used in many desserts but are also used as a garnish for salads, fish or meat. They are also used to make marzipan.

Brazil Nuts grow on a tall tree native to the Amazonian rain forest. Their name is taken from the fact that most of the forest is part of Brazil. The tree produces large fruits, each fruit containing up to two dozen nuts. Brazil nuts are used in pastries and as snacks.

Cashews are native to South America and now cultivated throughout the tropics: South America, Africa, Vietnam, and Eastern India. Cashews are among the most widely cultivated nut. Cashews are a popular snack and are also used in confectionery and cooking.

Hazelnuts (or filberts) are native to Europe. Hazelnuts grow on small, bushy trees. The USA is one of the largest producers of hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are used in snacks, baking and confectionery. They are also very popular in Spain in the famous dish called picadas.

Macadamia Nuts are native to Australia even though Hawaii is now the leading grower. Macadamia nuts are used as snacks and in exotic dishes.

Peanuts are a legume and grow in the ground. They are native to South America and are now cultivated in the United States, Africa, India, China and Indonesia. Peanuts are a popular snack and are also used to make cooking oil and peanut butter. They are also an ingredient in many Asian dishes.

Pecans are native to North America where they are cultivated today. Pecans are used in ice cream, baking and as a topping or filling for some entree recipes. Pecans are also a good snacking nut.

Pine Nuts are native to the Mediterranean region and grow on trees, between the leaves of pine cones. Harvesting is quite laborious and expensive. Pine nuts are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Pistachios are native to Eastern Europe and are now also produced in California (second largest growing region). Pistachio trees produce a green shell with purple skin. Pistachios are not only a popular snack nut but also used as an ingredient in many desserts. Pistachios are also used as a source of green food coloring.

Sunflower Seeds are native to South America and are also grown in Europe. Sunflower seeds/kernels are a popular snack and also important as a source of cooking oil. Kernels are trendy in salads.

Walnuts are grown in California, France, Italy, China and Chile. They are used in baking, snacking and are also an important source for salad oil. Walnuts are also popular in salads.

Q: WHO IS JBSS?

A: John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. is an in-house sheller, processor, packager, marketer and distributor of shelled and inshell nuts which are sold under a variety of private labels and under the company's Fisher, Evon's, Flavor Tree, Sunshine Country and Texas Pride brand names. The company also markets and distributes, and in most cases, manufactures or processes a diverse product line of food and snack items including peanut butter, candy, natural snacks, trail mixes, extruded corn snacks and sesame sticks.

Q: WHERE IS JBSS LOCATED?

A: JBSS's main production and distribution facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois (Chicago suburbs) serves as a centrally located hub for customers worldwide. Many of the Company's other production facilities are located in primary nut growing regions. The Bainbridge, Georgia and Garysburg, North Carolina facilities are located in the main growing regions for Runner and Virginia type peanuts, respectively, while the walnut shelling facility in Gustine, California and Sunshine Nut Company in Selma, Texas are near walnut, almond and pecan growing regions. The company believes that the strategic locations of these facilities, coupled with its commitment to advanced technology, are major contributors to the quality and freshness of its nut products.