An obvious question that arises is: what’s the difference between the nut types?
Is it a case of: peanut = macadamia = cashew = almond?
Tis not, verily.
Let’s take a look at what we refer to as nuts, and the differences between them.
I’m not going to list every nut ever created, just the popular ones:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Brazil nuts
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
Many of these “nuts” are not nuts at all, so let’s investigate, cos it’s lekker.
True nuts
The following are actual nuts. If you’re a pedantic stickler, these are the only items on the list you may refer to as nuts.
Chestnuts
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly East Asia, Europe, and North America. Chestnuts have a sweet, starchy flavor and are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
Hazelnuts
Originating from Asia Minor, hazelnuts are widely grown in Turkey, Italy, and the United States. They’re rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium.
Acorns
Found worldwide in oak trees, acorns have been a traditional food source for indigenous peoples. They are high in carbohydrates and contain B vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium.
Beech Nuts
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, beech nuts have a slightly bitter flavor. They are rich in fats and can be used for oil extraction.
Chinquapins
A smaller relative of chestnuts, these are native to North America and have a similar nutritional profile, being high in carbohydrates and low in fat.
Legumes
These are called legumes. That’s because they develop from a pod and belong to the family Fabaceae. Unlike true nuts, legumes are seeds encased in a fruit that naturally splits open when mature.
Peanuts
Native to South America, particularly Peru and Brazil, peanuts were domesticated over 7,000 years ago. They are a powerhouse of protein, healthy fats, and niacin, making them a staple in many diets worldwide.
Drupes
A drupe is a fruit with a hard stone or pit that encloses the seed. Examples from our list include walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews. Drupes are not technically nuts, but their seeds are consumed as such. For instance:
Walnuts
Native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region, walnuts have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
Pecans
Indigenous to the southern United States and Mexico, pecans were a vital food source for Native Americans. They’re slightly sweet, with a buttery texture, and packed with monounsaturated fats and zinc.
Almonds
Originating from the Middle East, almonds are now widely grown in California. They’re slightly sweet, with a creamy texture, and an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.
Cashews
Native to northeastern Brazil, cashews are now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. They’re mildly sweet and buttery, containing copper, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Seeds
Some items on the list are seeds. While not true nuts, they’re nutritionally similar and often used interchangeably in recipes.
Brazil nuts
Native to the Amazon rainforest, particularly Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. These nuts are creamy and rich in selenium, which is vital for immune and thyroid function. They also contain magnesium and healthy fats.
Pistachios
Believed to have originated in Central Asia and the Middle East, pistachios are now grown in countries like Iran, the United States, and Turkey. They’re vibrant green, slightly sweet, and packed with protein, fiber, and potassium.
Conclusion
There you have it.
True nuts, and poser nuts. Or maybe not poser nuts. It’s not their fault we got their naming wrong.
Totally nuts.