Tag: Achene

With a single sunflower head capable of containing up to 2,000 'seeds,' many people wonder whether sunflower counts as a nut. While their mild, nutty flavor and texture lead to this common confusion, botanically, the answer is definitively no.

Despite its common name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat but a fruit seed related to rhubarb and sorrel. This makes it a popular gluten-free option in many cuisines worldwide, valued for its nutritional profile and versatility.

While often referred to as "hemp nuts," hemp hearts are not a botanical nut, but a type of fruit called an achene. This distinction is crucial for those with tree nut allergies, as the delicious, mild, and nutty-tasting hemp hearts are typically a safe and nutritious alternative.

Botanically, sunflower seeds are not actually seeds but are a type of fruit called an achene. This distinction, often surprising to many, reveals a fascinating truth about this popular snack and oil crop. The edible part we consume is the kernel, but the entire structure with the hull is technically a fruit from the sunflower plant, *Helianthus annuus*.

While many people group them with similar snacks like peanuts, sunflower seeds are not legumes. In fact, sunflowers belong to the Asteraceae family (daisy family), whereas legumes are members of the Fabaceae family (pea family). This botanical distinction profoundly affects their growth, nutritional profile, and classification.