Flaxseed - also known as Linseed, is commonly sold in bulk and is generally inexpensive. These seeds have a sweet flavour and need to be ground or soaked so that they can be properly digested. The seeds are also pressed to produce a highly nutritious oil, which must be processed at low temperatures (never heated), and without exposure to any light, and should be refrigerated at all times. If there is a bitterness to the oil, this indicates signs of rancidity. The oil should taste nutty and rich. Likewise, flaxseed meal should be fresh and stored in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge.

The macadamia nut has been appreciated in Australia for thousands of years, and has always been an important indigenous food, and it has prompted harvest festivals to celebrate it.  The macadamia tree is indigenous to the subtropical rainforests of Australia and is our most popular bush food offered to the world.  It is grown so heavily in Hawaii that it can still be known in United States as the Hawaiian nut.  The nut falls from the huge rainforest canopy tree when it is ripe.  It defiantly ensured no animal would pick it up and eat it as the nut encased itself with one of the hardest shells in the nut world.  The shell is a brown colour and is the size of a gumball.  Very rarely are macadamias sold in their shell, instead the buttery yellow nut is available,

The pecan is native to North America and was a staple for the indigenous people that lived where the trees grew.  It is related to the walnut, and also a member of the hickory genus.  Pecans are brown with peculiar grooves on one side and semi flattish.  More common raw rather than toasted and they are rarely found with their shell.  But the shell is easy to break and worth buying when you see them.  Their high fat content, like all nuts, oxidises easily and quickly, so buy in small quantities and store in a dark, airtight container. Pecans are famous for the pecan pie, but are a wonderful nut for eating as is, and are a great addition to salads, savoury dishes and to cakes and biscuits.
Harvest time in Australia is April through to July.

pumpkin seeds, or pepitas (mexican name) are the hulled seeds found in pumpkins.
These flat, dark green seeds are very nutricious and in the past few years, much research has been done into their healthful effects. Pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack that is high in protein, along with some valuable minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper and iron.  To toast pumpkin seeds, (which makes them even more delicious) gently heat in a cast iron fry pan without oil. Keep them moving so that they don't burn, and remove from heat when they pop and become puffed out, rather than flat. These toasted seeds make a great addition to salads, and are good with avocado and lemon juice, or a splash of tamari may be added just before you take them from the heat.