What are common nuts and seeds in Indian Cuisine?

The ten most common nuts and seeds are as follows:

1. Chilgoza ( Pine nuts)

Chilgoza pine trees are grown in Northern part of India and Pakistan near Himalayas. The seeds (pine nuts) are  just called Chilgoza. This is the most prized nut in India. Artificial replanting is not successful, and the area to be harvested keeps shrinking making it almost extinct.

2. Almonds (Badam)

Almonds are the most commonly used nuts in Indian Cuisine specially in making sweets. Almonds are grown In Kashmir region. India is the largest importer of Almonds from United States.

3. Pistachios (Pista)

Pistachios are only second to to Almonds in the popularity. Most of the sweets uses a combination of Almonds and Pistachio nuts.

4. Cashews (Kaju)

Cashews are grown in South India (Kerala). The quality of Cashews is determined by their whiteness. Whiter the kernel, better is the quality. India is a major exporter of Cashews world wide only second to Brazil.

5. Walnuts (Akhrot)

Persian walnuts are grown in Kashmir region of India. English walnuts is a Persian Walnut variety grown in California, widely sold in United States Stores. The quality of the walnuts is assessed by the thickness of the shell. Kagazi (Thin papery shell) walnuts are considered to be the highest quality.

6. Coconut (Khopra)

Coconut is used as a gravy thickener. All forms of coconut dry and fresh are used in Indian Cuisine. Coconuts are grown in South coastal region of India.

7. Peanuts (Moongphali)

The biggest use of Peanuts is making hydrogenated peanut oil to emulate Ghee (Clarified butter). In United States, many children are allergic to peanuts. India is a major consumer of peanuts, however there is very little evidence of any peanut allergy in India.

8. Pumpkin Seeds (Kaddu Beej)

Theses seeds are used as delicate nuts in making sweets and beverages. This is a part of popular Char Magaz.

9. Watermelon seeds (Tarbooz Beej)

Theses seeds are used as delicate nuts in making sweets and beverages. This is a part of popular Char Magaz.

10. Cantaloupe seeds (Kharbooza Beej)

Theses seeds are used as delicate nuts in making sweets and beverages. This is a part of popular Char Magaz.