Best Nuts/Seeds Types in the World
This is by far the most famous Greek pistachio. This amazing pistachio nut is produced from the Egintiki variety, which has been traditionally cultivated on the island of Egina since the end of the 19th century. The first pistachio plantation here was established in 1896 by Nikolaos Peroglou, who brought the nuts from Syria.
The weather conditions and the soil composition give these pistachios a recognizable aroma and taste for which they are considered among the best in the world. The harvesting season begins in August, when the nuts are collected with long wrapped sticks that are used to beat the branches without damaging the tree.
Antep fıstığı (Antep pistachios) are traditional Turkish pistachios originating from Gaziantep. Due to the ideal climate and great soil conditions, these pistachios have a vibrant green color and an intense, complex, and citrusy flavor.
They're usually picked by local farmers in September. If the pistachios are to be used for baklava, the harvest is done in August as the essential oil and protein content is higher than in September. Every year in October, there is the pistachio festival of Gaziantep, when visitors can indulge in these tasty nuts.
THE BEST Antep fıstığı Pistachios
Produced within the Sicilian province of Catania, Pistacchio Verde di Bronte refers to the pistachio nuts of the Napoletana cultivar (also known as Bianca or Nostrale), grown in the fertile volcanic soils around Bronte, a small town settled at the foot of Mount Etna.
Since pistachio trees were brought to Italy from the Middle East, in Sicily pistachio is called frastuca, which is adopted from the Arab word fustuq. The versatile Bronte pistachios are traditionally used for preparing a wide variety of sweets and pastries such as cannoli, cassate, torroni or the famous fig and nuts Christmas cake called Bucellato Siciliano.
Native to Spain, this almond variety bears a smooth, white-colored fruit which has a distinctively rounder and plumper shape than other, more common almond varieties. The nut is distinguished by an exceptionally soft and moist texture, often compared to that of a macadamia nut, while the flavors are intensely sweet, delicate, buttery, and mild.
Considered to be among the finest almonds in the world, Marcona almonds are believed to be an excellent source of beneficial oils, and they are highly sought-after gourmet items, available in blanched, fried, or roasted versions, seasoned with sea salt or ingredients such as truffles, smoked paprika, chili, or rosemary.
These pistachios have been produced in the Megara administrative area in the eastern part of mainland Greece for more than a hundred years. The microclimate of this area, characterized by hot summers and mild winters with low levels of precipitation, provides the ideal conditions for the cultivation of pistachios.
Megara pistachios are cropped from the Megalokarpi, Fundukati, Nihati, and Kilarati varieties of the Pistachia vera tree. The nuts are sun dried, after which they are shelled and machine sorted. These pistachios are praised for their sweet taste and vibrant green colour.
Macadamia nuts are indigenous to Australia and native to northeastern New South Wales, along with central and south-eastern Queensland. What was known to the Aborigines as gyndl or jindilli was later renamed to kindal kindal by early Europeans, and ultimately renamed to macadamia in 1857 by a botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller, in honor of the chemist and politician named John Macadam.
These nuts have a high oil content and were originally consumed raw or roasted over hot coals. The Aborigines used stones for cracking the nuts, and some bitter varieties have been ground to a paste to make them edible. The oil from the nuts was also used for body painting and skin rejuvenation.
Almonds are the world's most widely grown and consumed tree nut, and Italy is one of the major producers. Particularly rich in aroma and flavor are those cultivated in sunny Sicily, where almonds are the most widely grown fruit after olives. There are many varieties, all related to prunus amygdalus, and the most praised varieties are Pizzuta, Fascionello Romana, Cavaliera and Bonifacio nº 1.
They can be either sweet or bitter - the sweet ones are widely used in confectionery, while small quantities of the bitter ones give a typical flavor to certain types of biscuits and liquors. Sicilian almonds are harvested in July and the majority of orchards are located in the province of Siracusa, especially around the cities of Noto and Avola.
This chestnut is the fruit of the Longal varietal, grown in the Vila Real and Bragança districts in Portugal. These chestnuts are harvested manually when they fall to the ground, and the use of any mechanical instruments or tools during harvesting is forbidden.
They are reddish-brown with a bright longitudinal stripe on the exterior, and their flavor is intense and quite aromatic. Terra Fria chestnuts can be frozen or processed into jams, syrups, or caldas. They are a common accompaniment to traditional dishes such as fried meat or pork roasts, and they are also to produce bread, cakes, and chestnut flower.
This high-quality pistachio is produced in the municipalities and communes of Phthiotis prefecture. It became a traditional crop of the area in the 1940s and 1950s, and today its production contributes significantly to the local economy. Each year, in late August to early September, the pistachios are gently shaken from the trees and their outer pink hulls are removed.
Afterward, they are dried and hand-selected. Any use of chemicals or pharmaceuticals in production is forbidden, even to prevent possible diseases from being transmitted through the soil. The pistachio has a dark green color and a very pleasant flavor, and can be either salted or unsalted.
Giresun Tombul fındığı is a type of hazelnut grown in the Turkish Giresun province, praised for its exquisite taste and distinct aroma. It is large and round, has a smooth and glossy shell that is easy to crack, and a plump, oily, meaty, and flavourful kernel.
The soil in the mountainous region of Giresun is rich in nutrients, so the Giresun Tombul hazelnuts are full of iron, potassium, calcium and zinc, vitamins B, C, A, and E, omega-3 fats, fibers, proteins, and antioxidants. These hazelnuts are typically harvested in the late summer and can be eaten raw or roasted, but are most often used in various Turkish dishes, especially sweets like baklava and lokum.
Best Nuts/Seeds Producers in the World
Gourmii is a manufacturer of healthy and nutritious nut-based products, best known for its handmade specialty, "Mama Zhao Crispy Sugar Cashews". The production process involves careful selection, washing, and roasting of cashews to remove any imperfections, ensuring a full, rich taste without bitterness.
The recipe uses a low-fat, refreshing formula with a precise balance of ingredients, resulting in a crispy and aromatic sweet treat that is easy to digest. The entire process is performed manually, allowing adjustments to the roasting technique based on the condition of the cashews to achieve a uniquely crisp texture.
BEST Gourmii Nuts and Seeds
BEST Lian Hwa Foods Crackers
Deniz Antep Fıstıkları is a prominent Turkish producer specializing in high-quality pistachios. Known for offering a wide variety of pistachio-based products, their offerings include raw pistachios, roasted pistachios, pistachio paste, and other gourmet treats made from pistachios.
The company is focused on maintaining the traditional cultivation and harvesting methods of the famous Gaziantep pistachio, a variety renowned for its rich flavor and texture. They emphasize quality, freshness, and the importance of preserving the local agricultural heritage in their products.
BEST Deniz Antep Fıstıkları Nuts and Seeds
Ali Kılıç Tarım is a Turkish agricultural company specializing in a wide variety of products, including nuts, dried fruits, legumes, spices, and seeds. The company offers high-quality items such as pistachios, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, and more.
Their focus is on providing healthy, flavorful products that are sustainably sourced. Ali Kılıç Tarım aims to be a prominent player in the market, ensuring customer satisfaction with their consistent product quality. They offer bulk sales and continue to serve both local and international markets.
BEST Ali Kılıç Tarım Nuts and Seeds
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST Old Rectory Preserves Preserved Vegetables
Valle del Taibilla, based in Nerpio, Spain, is a renowned producer of organic preserves and jams, rooted in sustainable practices. Established in the 1990s, the company prioritizes eco-friendly production and local agriculture, crafting products that include a range of organic jams made from locally sourced fruits, as well as preserved vegetables and nuts.
Notably, their organic Nerpio walnuts, grown in high-altitude orchards and harvested by hand, are recognized for their unique flavor and high antioxidant content. Valle del Taibilla’s products are certified vegan, gluten-free, and natural, reflecting their commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.
BEST Valle del Taibilla Nuts and Seeds
Best Nuts and Seeds in the World
Viva Energy Booster Nuts Mix is a carefully crafted blend of nuts and dried fruits, designed for those seeking a healthy and delicious way to boost their energy throughout the day. This mix combines high-quality ingredients such as almonds, cashews, black beans, raisins, dried mango, and dried cranberries, offering a rich variety of flavors and textures in every bite.
Viva Energy Booster Nuts Mix is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying snack, combining great taste and essential nutrients to help keep you energized and fulfilled all day long.
Antep Fıstığı Yeşil Koli from Deniz Antep Fıstıkları is a premium roasted pistachio offering. These pistachios are carefully roasted to perfection, retaining their natural flavor and crunch. Known for their large size and rich taste, they are an excellent snack choice or an addition to various dishes.
These pistachios are also great for gifting or using in desserts, salads, and even savory recipes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
The Nueces Ecológica de Nerpio, produced by Valle del Taibilla in Nerpio, Spain, are organic walnuts cultivated in the pristine mountain valleys of the Sierra del Segura. These nuts are highly regarded for their rich, authentic flavor and high nutritional content, produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Valle del Taibilla’s approach is rooted in sustainable, traditional farming methods, preserving local biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. These walnuts are certified organic and are noted for their premium quality, making them a popular choice in Spanish and European markets.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 57 Nuts and Seeds in the World” list until February 19, 2025, 1,959 ratings were recorded, of which 742 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.