Nut (fruit)

Nut (Fruit)

Hazelnuts from the Common Hazel

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Chestnuts

A walnut and a walnut core having been removed from the outer pithy fruit. Walnuts are not true nuts.

A nut is a hard-shelled fruit of some plants. They are an important part of human and animal diets. Many dried seeds and fruits are called 'nuts' in English, but only some are nuts to a botanist.

Nuts are made of the seed and the fruit, where the fruit does not open to release the seed. Most seeds come from fruits, and the seeds are released from the fruit. But nuts (such as hazelnuts, hickories, chestnuts and acorns) have a stony fruit wall which keeps the seed inside.

In common speaking, many so-called nuts, like pistachios and Brazil nuts, are not nuts in a biological sense. Everyday common usage of the term often refers to any hard-walled, edible kernel as a nut.<ref name="the_encyclopedia_of_seeds">

A nut is a type of fruit that consists of a hard shell and a seed. Nuts are commonly consumed as a snack or used as ingredients in various culinary preparations due to their nutritional value, flavor, and versatility. They are enjoyed worldwide and come in a wide variety of types and flavors.

Botanical Classification

In botanical terms, a nut is a type of fruit called a indehiscent fruit. This means that the fruit does not split open to release its seed naturally. Instead, the seed remains enclosed within a hard shell, which is often referred to as the "nut shell."

Types of Nuts

There are numerous types of nuts, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some commonly consumed nuts include:

Almonds

Almonds

Almonds are small, oval-shaped nuts with a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet flavor. They are commonly used in baking, cooking, and snacking. Almonds are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Walnuts

Walnuts

Walnuts are large, wrinkled nuts with a bittersweet taste. They have a distinctively shaped shell that resembles the human brain. Walnuts are often used in baking, confections, and salads. They are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and are considered heart-healthy.

Pistachios

Pistachios

Pistachios are small, green nuts with a slightly sweet and savory flavor. They have a unique pale green color and a split shell that reveals the inner kernel. Pistachios are commonly eaten as a snack, used in desserts, or as a topping for salads and other dishes.

Cashews

Cashews with shells

Cashews are kidney-shaped nuts with a creamy texture and a mildly sweet taste. They are often used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisine, and can also be enjoyed as a snack. Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are round nuts with a sweet, buttery flavor. They are commonly used in confections, baking, and as a flavoring in spreads such as chocolate-hazelnut spread. Hazelnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

Culinary Uses

Nuts are highly versatile in culinary applications and are used in a variety of ways:

Snacking

Nuts are often consumed as a nutritious and satisfying snack on their own. They can be enjoyed raw or roasted, and some may be salted or seasoned for added flavor.

Baking and Cooking

Nuts are commonly used in baking, adding texture, flavor, and nutritional value to recipes. They are used in cakes, cookies, bread, granola bars, and more. Nuts can also be used as toppings for salads, added to stir-fries, incorporated into sauces, and used as fillings in savory dishes.

Nut Butters

Many nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews, can be ground into creamy nut butters. These butters are used as spreads, ingredients in recipes, and as a dairy-free alternative in various dishes.

Nutritional Value

Nuts are known for their high nutritional content and are considered a healthy addition to the diet. They are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Regular consumption of nuts has been associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Cautions and Allergies

While nuts are highly nutritious, it is important to note that some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of nuts. Allergic reactions to nuts can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. It is essential for individuals with known nut allergies to avoid consuming nuts and products that may contain traces of nuts to prevent adverse reactions.

Botanical definition

A nut in botany is a simple dry fruit with one seed (rarely two). The ovary wall is hard (stony or woody) when it matures, and the seed is stuck to the ovary wall.

Types of nuts

Types of nuts include the oak, hickory, chestnut, stone-oak, birch, and hazelnut. The peanut, coconut, almond, macadamia, pistachio, pecan, walnut and cashew are not true nuts.

Other websites

• Linus Pauling Micronutrient Information Centre Nuts