Nuts are the fruit of certain trees and shrubs, which have the seed enclosed in a bony, woody covering, not opening when ripe. They have been used as food for centuries by the Greeks, by peasants of the south of France and Mediterranean Islands. They are now used extensively in vegetarian diet as a substitute for meat, owing to the nourishment they contain in a highly concentrated form.

Nuts are rich in oils and protein, but deficient in carbohydrates and contain very little water. They are considered an economical food, and may be used in a number of ways without being cooked. They are capable of many combinations with other foods, but, being deficient in starch, should always be combined with starchy food, when prepared as a meat substitute

Nuts should be regarded as a staple food, and in this present day, when meat is so high, can suitably be used at least once a week for dinner in place of meat.

Nuts, being rich in protein, should not be eaten as a dessert after a hearty meal. They may be combined in a salad and served with a dinner that is deficient in protein.

Nuts Rich in Oil-Pecan, Brazil, butternut, filbert, hickory, black walnut.

Rich in Nitrogen-Peanut, butternut, almond, pistachio, pecan, chestnut.

Rich in Starch-Chestnut, pecan.