Tips for Buying and Storing…
• When buying whole, unshelled nuts, be sure to look for clean shells without cracks.
• Whole, raw shelled nuts should appear fairly uniform in color and size.
• To keep tree nuts as fresh as possible, store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to six months, or up to a year in the freezer.

Tips for Toasting…
For extra flavor, spread whole, chopped or sliced tree nuts in a single layer in an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350o oven and bake5 to 10 minutes or until nuts are slightly brown; stir once or twice until lightly toasted. Remove from pan to cool. Nuts will continue to brown slightly after removing from oven.

Coat for Flavor…
Need a quick and easy coating to spruce up a fish or poultry dinner?
Mix equal parts prepared seasoned bread crumbs and finely chopped, toasted, mixed nuts; add the herb or spice of your choice, such as basil, thyme, cayenne pepper or cumin. Dip meat, fish or poultry into crumb mixture, pressing to coat. Bake, broil or grill.

Go Nuts for Nuts…
Tired of the same old recipes? Unexpected guests?
Tree nuts can help solve these dilemmas by making an ordinary dish seem like new!
Try these tips for a surprise twist and great taste that everyone will enjoy:
• Go mealess — nuts are a great source of protein. Toss some into stir-fries, salads and pasta.
• Top with nuts - sprinkle chopped nuts on top of a bowl of soup, vegetable dish or your favorite casserole.
• Start your day with nuts - experiment with different tree nuts in your favorite muffin or pancake recipe. Sprinkle nuts on top of yogurt or oatmeal.
• Nuts are great with cheese - add your favorite tree nuts to cheese and cracker platters to serve as an appetizer or a special dessert.