This article is about foods called nuts, which may not be called nuts in botany. For botanical nuts, see Nut (fruit). For other kinds of nut, see Nut (disambiguation).
Foods called nuts, which may be true nuts or seeds, drupes or legumes
A nut is a fruit consisting of a hard or tough nutshell protecting a kernel which is usually edible. In general usage and in a culinary sense, many dry seeds are called nuts. In a botanical context, "nut" implies that the shell does not open to release the seed (indehiscent).[1]
Most seeds come from fruits that naturally free themselves from the shell, but this is not the case in nuts such as hazelnuts, chestnuts, and acorns, which have hard shell walls and originate from a compound ovary. The general and original usage of the term is less restrictive, and many nuts (in the culinary sense), such as almonds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts,[2] are not nuts in a botanical sense. Common usage of the term often refers to any hard-walled, edible kernel as a nut.[3] Nuts are an energy-dense and nutrient-rich food source.[4]
^Alasalvar, Cesarettin; Shahidi, Fereidoon (17 December 2008). Tree Nuts: Composition, Phytochemicals, and Health Effects (Nutraceutical Science and Technology). CRC. p. 143. ISBN978-0-8493-3735-2.
^"Nuts". Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 1 September 2018. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.