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Nut kernels

As an importer and wholesaler, August Töpfer & Co. has been in direct contact with suppliers of nut kernels in Asia, America and Europe for many years. Customers who buy nuts from the wholesale trade benefit from a wide selection, the highest quality and fair prices.

Why nuts are healthy

According to the botanical definition, nuts are considered shell fruits. However, the composition of nut kernels differs significantly from the more familiar fruit varieties. While the water content is much lower than is the case for fruit, nuts are rich in fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. The term shell fruit encompasses all edible nuts and nut kernels. These terms are frequently used as synonyms, but they denote different varieties of nuts. True nuts include hazelnuts, walnuts and macadamia nuts. They can be recognised by a pericarp in which three layers are lignified together. These layers surround a seed kernel. By contrast, almonds, Brazil nuts and pecans are the stones of drupes, in which only the endocarp is hardened.

Nuts contain many essential nutrients that positively affect blood values and protect against cardiovascular diseases. Other contents of nuts that provide health benefits include fibre, folic acid, vitamins B and E as well as simple and complex unsaturated fatty acids.

As valuable sources of minerals, nut kernels contain high amounts of magnesium, iron, phosphorous and potassium. The protein they contain is particularly easy to digest. Despite the high level of fibre, the amount of carbohydrates in nuts is relatively low. It’s also worth mentioning that nuts contain secondary plant substances. These are the protective substances in plants that also have health benefits for people. The antioxidative phenols in nuts reduce the risk of certain cancers, and phytosterol lowers cholesterol.

The nutritional value of nuts shows that both the fat content and calorific value are relatively high. Nut kernels should therefore only be consumed in moderation. For instance, 100 grams of cashew nuts contain around 600 kilocalories, with a fat content of around 50 grams. The high fat content in nuts accounts for around 80 percent of the total calories.

The wholesale nut range

Wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. imports many varieties of nuts directly from the suppliers in the countries of origin.

Almonds and almond preparations

Bei Almonds are the seeds of trees of the same name; they belong to the category of drupes. The origin of almonds probably lies in Asia. Today, the USA and the Mediterranean region are considered the biggest and most important cultivation regions.

August Töpfer & Co. is one of the leading importers of almonds. We foster long-term cooperation with our carefully selected suppliers in California, USA. Further contacts in Spain, Italy, Australia and Chile enable us to ensure reliable and punctual delivery of goods throughout the year.

Almonds are characterised by their balanced protein and fat content. Spanish varieties have a more intense flavour than Californian almonds. Californian almonds are predominantly used in the production of almond preparations . Through our close cooperation with Colefruse Internacional S.A. in Spain, we not only act as distributor but also as producer. Being able to oversee the whole of the value creation chain, means we can ensure high standards in terms of quality and reliability.

Our extensive range encompasses whole blanched almonds, blanched almonds halves as well as almond pastries. Moreover, as a wholesaler for nuts based in Hamburg, we offer the option of further refining them through roasting. Our goods can also be bought in retail packets.

Walnut kernels

The walnut tree is one of the oldest plants and has been prevalent throughout Asia and Europe for several thousand years. Today, the USA is well-known as the most important export country for top-quality Walnut kernels . To ensure reliable delivery of fresh nut kernels all year round, we also import the product from France, India and Chile.

Walnuts are particularly versatile and can be processed into an oil with an intense aroma. As is also the case for the chopped nuts, however, it’s important to consume the walnut oil relatively swiftly. Moreover, walnuts are a great source of energy for improving performance. The product contains nutrients commonly associated with nuts, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12, A, C and E as well as essential minerals and trace elements.

© Jenn Kosar/unsplash.com

Cashew kernels

Cashew kernels are harvested from the cashew tree. This tree only flourishes in tropical climates, in locations with low soil nutrient content. As such, these nuts are especially prevalent in Asia and Africa. At the beginning of the 20th century, India became the most important country for the cultivation and production of cashew kernels. The nut wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. likewise sources the product primarily from here, characterised largely by manual and high-quality processing. Other sources are located in Vietnam, Brazil, Tanzania, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mozambique.

The healthy nuts are distinguished by their high mineral, protein, fat and carbohydrate content. Cashew kernels differ from other varieties with their sweet and significantly milder flavour. They are also softer than other nut varieties. For this reason, these nut kernels have also become established as a snack in roasted form – with or without added salt. Cashew kernels are also processed into oil and used in frying and cooking. Cashew kernels are only available unshelled, as the hard shell contains a toxic oil which is professionally removed before distribution.

Pecan nut kernels

Die Pecan nuts are harvested from the tree of the same name, which belongs to the walnut family. The pecan nut is considered the most important indigenous nut variety in North America. The indigenous peoples of North America used these nut kernels as a key source of nutrients in the winter. Currently, the USA accounts for 80 percent of global production. As a wholesaler, we source these nuts only from the USA. However, pecan nut kernels are also cultivated in Australia, China, Mexico and Africa.

Pecan nuts are drupes and, compared to other varieties, they contain the most antioxidants, which are thought to minimise the risk of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The flavour and consistency of these healthy nuts are similar to cashew kernels. While the flavour is mild, nutty and sweet, the consistency is relatively soft. Pecan nuts are consumed unprocessed, roasted and salted as well as in combination with various dishes.

© TanyaSid/iStock.com

Brazil nut kernels

The nut kernels of the Brazil nut tree are considered drupes and are associated with the state of Pará in the Amazon region. Brazil nuts are exported exclusively from South America. At August Töpfer & Co., you can buy especially high-quality Brazil nuts from Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. In these regions, the drupes grow wild in rainforests and are harvested by hand. For Europe, Peruvian exporters are the most relevant. In contrast to pecan nuts or cashew kernels, Brazil nuts are not roasted or salted. Instead, the product is sold unprocessed, chocolate-coated or as part of refined nut kernel mixes. In chopped form, Brazil nuts are also suitable as an ingredient in cake mix or as a topping.

Storage of nut kernels

The correct way to store nuts depends on how they have been processed. Whole and unshelled nuts can be stored for up to six months. In the case of ground, shelled and chopped nut kernels, the shelf life is much shorter. The surface is exposed to warmth, light and oxygen, making it vulnerable to mould, extraneous odours and discolouring. It’s therefore best to store nuts in a cool, dark, dry and airy place. In airtight packaging, nuts can be kept chilled for up to four weeks.

Our quality promise

The traditional company August Töpfer & Co. is a leading importer and wholesaler of nuts and nut kernels. We are in direct contact with producers in the countries of origin, where we source these delicate raw materials. Our longstanding cooperation, combined with strict quality checks, enables us to offer our customers only the best quality at a fair price.

A key part of our quality assurance is that most of our goods are processed and packed in our production facility in Hamburg. We thus have the ability to examine the products on location and ensure compliance with delivery dates. As one of the leading nut importers in Hamburg, we are also committed to providing the highest standards in logistics. By collaborating with a range of reliable partners, we make sure we deliver your goods on time.

Our customers

We supply both small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large-scale industry. Our customers include leading European wholesalers, retailers and discounters as well as the food and confectionery industry. As a wholesaler, we have a comprehensive inventory and can offer our customers just-in-time delivery in custom quantities at all times.

Our brands and products

Nut wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. is a leading trademark and also offers a range of other producer brands. As a brand producer, we create new products and consider all current statutory packaging regulations. Our standard range encompasses all common packaging in various forms and using different materials. This includes:

Tubular bags

Resealable sealed-rim pouches

Beakers

Folding boxes

We develop new goods according to the individual needs and wishes of our customers. With our packed products, we offer a complete logistics package. This means we handle the entire process from import and packaging to transport. Our 50 fully automated packing lines and our close cooperation with suppliers give us this flexibility. Our own producer brand ATCO covers core products from the baking articles and snack products segments. These are characterised by a multilingual, modern design that allows us to respond flexibly and quickly to international enquiries.

The wholesale range for nuts at August Töpfer & Co. also includes unpacked nuts. This way, customers are able to select the quantity they require. Bulk packaging of nut kernels is also available. Besides nuts, Dried fruits and other food can also be found in our extensive product range.

Our nut kernels are certified:

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