Peanuts Aren't Real Nuts (And More Essential Nut Info)

Versatility, dependability, longevity. No, that’s not our presidential campaign slogan—it’s the reason we buy whole, raw nuts.* First, they’re yours to chop, flavor, candy, “mylk,” and roast to your liking (since those pre-roasted nuts are never as dark as we’d like anyway). Second, they’re easier to quality-control: You can make sure they’re full-sized and neither wrinkled nor misshapen. And third, because they haven’t been compromised by cooking or cutting, they have the longest lifespan. For the best-tasting, highest-quality nuts, shop from stores with high turnovers, where new bags arrive on the reg.

*The exception to our rule? Slivered and sliced almonds. You’re not a robot.