Tree Nuts
Tree nuts represent any of the plethora of nut varieties we enjoy daily that are cultivated from trees. These include such crops as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashews, and Brazil nuts. Grown in various regions throughout the world, these crops represent staple food items in a variety of cultures and cuisines.
Almonds, originally native to southwestern Asia, are a member of the Rosaceae family. Preferring well-drained, deep, loamy soils, almonds can tolerate other types of soil conditions so long as it is well drained. Almond production is 100% dependent upon pollination to be successful—to the degree that adding honeybee hives to orchards has become a common practice. Though grown in seven countries, California produces approximately 80% of the world supply of almonds.
Hazelnuts, also called filbert, cobnut or hazel, are in the genus Corylus, which is comprised of about 15 species of shrubs and trees in the birch family (Betulaceae) and the edible nuts they produce. The plants are native to the north temperate zone. Turkey produces the most globally consumed hazelnuts. Hazelnut is a wind pollinated fruit; the pollen will then lay dormant for seven to eight months. The Willamette Valley in Oregon produces 99% of the US hazelnut crop.
Macadamia is part of the genus Macadamia, which contains four species of evergreen trees belonging to the family Proteaceae known for their richly flavored edible seeds. The trees originated in the coastal rainforests and scrubs of what is now Queensland in northeastern Australia and are grown commercially in several subtropical areas. Commonly known as macadamia nuts, the seeds are often roasted and salted or are used by bakers and chocolatiers in confections and chocolates. Australia, Hawaii, and South Africa are the top producers of macadamia.
A member of the walnut family (Juglandaceae), Pecans are native to temperate areas of North America and are grown across the US. The US produces 80% of the pecans consumed around the world. These popular trees grow best in well-drained soils at a pH of 6-7. Pecan trees have been recorded to have lived for over 200 years.
Pistachio (Pistacia vera) refers to a small tree of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and its edible seeds, grown in dry lands in warm or temperate climates. The pistachio tree is believed to be indigenous to Iran. It is widely cultivated from Afghanistan to the Mediterranean region and in California. Pistachios require long, hot, dry summers and a cool winter. California, Arizona, and New Mexico represent 100% of the US commercial pistachio production
Walnut includes about 20 species of deciduous trees constituting the genus Juglans of the family Juglandaceae, native to North and South America, southern Europe, Asia and the West Indies. The trees have long leaves with five to 23 short-stalked leaflets. The male and female reproductive organs are borne in different, petal-less flower clusters on the same tree. The twigs contain a many-chambered pith. The fruit is a woody nut enclosed in a thick husk. California accounts for almost all the US walnut production.