Nuts and seeds

brisck1

Hi guys,
I've decided to improve my diet at work due to low evergy levels and was suggested to switch to snaking on nuts and seeds, especially sunflower seeds.

Now after doing a little research this seems like a great idea as they provide all the ingredients to a healthier lifestyle and also provide all the energy you need to keep you going throughout the day.

The problem is however, that I dont like the natural taste of nuts and am wondering if anyone here knows of a naturally 'salty' tasting nut or seed that doesnt cost the earth (aka ££ pistachios ££)

I have my eye on the sunflower seeds as you get bundles for next to nothing although I have no idea how they'd taste and dont want to waste y money if they have the same taste as an unsalted peanut.

Anyone have any advice?
Thanks in advance

comping_cat

I mix sunflower and pumpkin seeds together, not the tastiest snack, but after a couple of days it got better!!! i also mixed in almonds which helped, the health food shops sell them in bigger bags than the supermarkets, which work out cheaper. you might even find pistachios cheaper there too.
Catherine x

brisck1

what do sunflower seeds actually taste like though? same with pumpkin.

I really cant stand almonds so they're out of the question

comping_cat

Sunflower seeds are quite nice, not a very strong taste at all, pumpkin have a bit more taste, not sure how to describe them im afraid, but i prefered them mixed with the sunflower seeds. My sister eats them with yoghurt!!!
Catherine x

researcher

Buy a small pack of sunflower or pumkin seeds, sprinkle with a little curry powder, or paprika and chuck in the oven for 5/10 minutes (or grill/frying pan). Allow to cool and you've a really tasty snack.

I sprinkle them over salads too, which can be really nice.

Ted_Hutchinson

I make a mix of Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds Linseed and sesame seed. I dry roast them by putting them in a non-stick frypan on a low heat until they smell delicous and then give them a whizz in the processor just to crack them up a bit.

I sprinkle this on cereal, yoghurt, toppings, salads,desserts, baking etc. I think the dry roasting brings out the flavour.

Edit yes I should have mentioned that I do them separately.

Hunnymonster

Splash the 50p on the smallest bag you can lay your hands on and if they're not to your taste - put them out for the birds - a 50g pack will probably last about 0.3 secs - but you've tried them and the birds benefit if you don't like them

kiwichick

YUM YUM. I dry fry them too. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are really tasty this way. No need to add salt or anything, just delish. I sprinkle on salad or muesli and just eat them on their own also.

brisck1

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Right now im thinking of having them as something I can pick at like normal peanuts while im working so are they the right seeds to do this?

Also, can someone give me a more detailed guide as to how they can be roasted (time, heat etc)?

How long do they keep for once a packet has been opened? and/or if they have been roasted?

ms_london

Sunflower seeds mixed with raisins are nice - cure any sweet cravings you might have!! Pumpkin seeds cure my savoury cravings as they taste a bit like pistachio/cashews.......

xx

kiwichick

You really dont need to roast them, just heat a wok or frying panon quite a high heat and chuck em in. Dry fry means to add no oil or butter etc, just put them in on their own. It is quick too, you will need to stand and stir them about with a wooden spoon or similar as they can burn. Should only take 3-5 minutes. I keep mine in an airtight container and as I do big batches they are kept for 3 weeks or more and are just fine. Deffo the right seeds/nuts to snack on, really tasty.

Edited to add: Dont panic when you hear popping, the pumpkin seeds willswell and make a pop noise, they dont turn out like popcorn or anything it just sounds weird. They do jump out of the pan on occasion!