Hello, Thursday foodies

This week, I go nuts for nuts. They're a great snack and addition to any meal, and you can choose from more than 20 varieties from Australia and around the world. They are nutritious, tasty and textural.

There is a common belief that eating nuts will make us gain weight. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend we eat 30g of nuts a day – a small handful. Nuts do contain fats, but mostly good fats. Studies have shown that people who eat nuts regularly are less likely to gain weight than those who don’t. By snacking on nuts, you are getting the nutrients you need with the added bonus of feeling full.

I profile the pistachio because it is harvest time in Australia and it is my favourite nut for taste, versatility and funky green and purple colour scheme. I share two recipes using pistachios; one savoury and one sweet; and I provide my list of favourite places to buy nuts (and fresh nut butters) in Wollongong and north of the CBD.

Finally, I give a quick run-down on what’s in season for fresh produce in April. The short answer is – a lot.

Enjoy,

Susan Luscombe

The Thursday Editor

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