Tag: Nut vs seed

Botanically, nuts are indehiscent dry fruits with a single seed and a hard shell that does not naturally open. However, the foods we colloquially call 'nuts' often do not meet this scientific definition. This fundamental distinction is key to answering the question: are sunflower kernels a nut?

Over 60% of people are surprised to learn that many of the so-called "nuts" they eat are not true botanical nuts at all. The macadamia, with its creamy texture and hard shell, is a prime example of this confusion, leading many to ask: is macadamia a seed or nut?.

Despite its nutty flavor and potential to trigger allergic reactions in those with nut sensitivities, sesame is botanically a seed. A sesame allergy is now the ninth most common food allergy in the U.S., making its distinction from tree nuts a crucial piece of information for many.