Tag: Seed vs nut

With more consumers seeking gluten-free and low-carb alternatives, understanding the properties of different flours and meals is crucial. While both are popular choices for specialized baking, is flax meal the same as almond meal? The simple answer is no, and the differences can significantly impact your recipes and nutritional intake.

About 80% of the world's commercial almonds are produced in California, yet the most surprising fact for many is that a store-bought almond is not a true nut. In botany, the almond is a seed from a fruit called a drupe, which is closely related to peaches and cherries. This article delves into the fascinating botanical distinctions that classify almond as a seed and not a nut.

According to botanists, what we commonly call a sunflower seed is actually a fruit known as an achene, which holds a single seed inside. So, is the sunflower seed considered a nut from a scientific standpoint, or is its common classification simply a matter of culinary convenience? This guide explores the important distinctions.

According to botanists, chia seeds are not classified as a nut. They are the edible seeds of *Salvia hispanica*, a flowering plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae), which makes them botanically distinct from true nuts like almonds and walnuts. This distinction is especially important for individuals managing food allergies.

Botanically, chia seeds are a part of the mint family, not the nut family. This crucial distinction addresses a common question for both culinary enthusiasts and individuals with nut allergies. While their high nutrient content often places them in the same food category as nuts, their botanical classification is entirely different.

While commonly referred to as a nut, a pistachio is, in fact, a seed from a fruit. The culinary world classifies it as a nut, but botanically, it is the edible seed of a drupe, which is a fleshy fruit. This botanical distinction is key to understanding its true nature, though its use in the kitchen remains consistent.