NUTS AS FOOD. 

 Chas. D. Woods and L. H. Merrill. 



While the use of nuts in this country has already attained 

 considerable proportions, it is believed that a careful study of 

 their food qualities would lead to their largely increased con- 

 sumption. In view of their high nutritive value and the readi- 

 ness and cheapness with which they may be produced, it is a 

 matter of some astonishment that they have received so little 

 consideration as a food and that so little attention has been 

 devoted to their culture. This neglect is explained in part by 

 the abundance and cheapness of cereal products, which supply 

 our wants so fully that we have not been forced to seek foods 

 from unusual and less reliable sources. Although, within cer- 

 tain limits, grain production varies from year to year, we have 

 few more certain crops. On the other hand, the production of 

 nuts, like that of the apple and tree fruits in general, is subject to 

 greater fluctuations which are far less under the immediate 

 control of man. 



It is impossible to estimate with any degree of accuracy the 

 amount of nuts consumed in this country. The following table, 

 furnished by the statistician of the U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, shows only our imports. The consumption of home 

 grown nuts must exceed these figures many fold. 



IMPORTS OF NUTS INTO THE UNITED STATES. 





Twelve Months Ending June 





1897. 



1898. 



1899. 





Pounds. 



Values. 



Pounds. 



Values. 



Pounds. 



Values. 



Almonds 



9,644,338 



$880,263 

 471,387 

 848 511 



5,746,362 



$659,659 



575,935 



1,002,.344 



9,957,427 



$1,222,587 

 629,789 











879,166 















The vast range of climatic conditions to be found in this coun- 

 try will enable us to grow nearly all the nuts which we now 

 irrport. Some progress has already been made along these 



