Tag: Nut classification

While commonly referred to as nuts, almonds are technically the edible seeds of the fruit of the almond tree. This botanical detail influences how they are classified, but from a nutritional standpoint, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) places almonds in the Protein Foods Group. This placement is due to their high protein content, along with other key nutrients like healthy fats and fiber.

According to botanists, a true nut is a dry fruit with a single seed that does not open at maturity to release the seed. This scientific classification often differs greatly from the common, culinary understanding of a 'nut'.

According to botanical science, many foods we call "nuts" are not true nuts, with items like almonds, cashews, and walnuts actually being seeds of different types of fruit. This botanical revelation often surprises people, especially since true nuts, seeds, and even legumes are all typically grouped together in the culinary world. The surprising reality is that classifying these healthy snacks requires a deeper understanding of plant anatomy.