Gourmet Nuts
Gourmet nuts when purchased retail are usually a combination of rarer,
more expensive nuts such as pistachio, cashew and macadamia nuts and are
often fresh roasted or flavored with cinnamon or honey. Because gourmet
nuts include these imported, harder to grow nuts, they can be an expensive
purchase upwards of $30 per pound.
Gourmet nuts are sometimes combined with dried fruits and make nice gifts
for shipping, hors' derves for parties, or a special treat. When purchasing
gourmet nuts, be weary of other less expensive nuts being thrown in to
account for weight. Peanuts should not be included in a mix of gourmet
nuts selling for $30 a pound.
Gourmet nuts can be ordered from a slue of online retailers or can be
purchased from specialty stores, upscale supermarkets, and are more readily
available at discount merchandisers during the holidays. Mixed gourmet
nuts do make decent gifts for office or school personnel and similarly
recognized recipients since they can be served at parties or set out for
sharing. When special ordering gourmet nuts as gifts, you can be confident
that you are receiving a genuine gourmet blend, but will pay a higher
price than pre-packaged varieties available at retail stores. When buying
retail, check the box to determine the packing percentage of less expensive
nuts and compare costs. A mix containing peanuts or pecans isn't any less
tasty, but should be less costly.
Specialty stores such as Trophy Nuts will sell single varieties of gourmet
nuts in addition to mixes. You can purchase specific quantities of certain
nuts and bring them home to create your own gourmet nut mixes. You can
also use these gourmet nuts as additions to other dishes such as cookies,
deserts, and snack mixes or you can season and roast them and then package
them for a more home-made approach to serving or giving them as a gift.