How Nuts Are Marketed
Nuts may be purchased shelled or unshelled with the exception of cashews, which are sold only shelled. Most nuts sold in shells are not roasted. However, peanuts are usually roasted, and chestnuts are sometimes roasted. If peanuts or chestnuts are roasted, this must be shown on the label.
Shelled nuts are sold raw or roasted and, sometimes, blanched. Roasted nuts may be unsalted, salted, or spiced. Shelled nuts may be purchased ground, or in whole kernels, broken pieces, slivers, and slices.
Shelled nuts are available in bulk and in plastic bags, glass jars, and cans of various sizes. Labels on the containers show the weight and, sometimes, the cup measure.
One of the most common ways of marketing peanuts is in the form of peanut butter.
Although fresh coconuts are often available, coconut is generally found in packages or cans. Canned coconut may contain more moisture than coconut in foil or plastic packages. Frozen prepared coconut is also stocked in some markets.