Tag: Tree nut

Despite its common name, a coconut is botanically classified as a fibrous drupe, a type of fruit, not a true nut. The persistent question, “Is coconut technically a tree nut?” arises from its hard shell and confusing history with regulatory labeling, which has recently been clarified.

Despite being labeled and sold as a nut, a botanical almond is not a true nut, but the seed of a drupe, which is a fruit with a hard, stony shell surrounding a kernel. This surprising fact puts almonds in the same botanical family as peaches, cherries, and plums.

Did you know that the spiky, green soursop fruit belongs to the Annonaceae family, not the tree nut category? This tropical fruit, also known as graviola, is a common source of confusion, particularly for those managing food allergies.

Despite both being commonly called "nuts," the peanut is technically a legume that grows underground, while the hazelnut is a true tree nut. This fundamental botanical distinction is just one of many differences between hazelnut and peanut that affect everything from their flavor to their allergy profiles.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially removed coconut from its list of major tree nut allergens, finally clarifying years of confusion over whether coconut is a tree nut or a fruit.

Over a dozen countries in Africa produce shea butter, a valuable fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree. Despite its creamy, 'butter-like' texture and name, many people ask: **is shea butter considered dairy?** The answer is unequivocally no, as it is a 100% plant-based product with no milk or animal-derived components.

The average American consumes a significant amount of cashews annually, but a common point of confusion remains: is a cashew a nut or legume? Botanically speaking, this buttery snack is neither, and its surprising classification is more complex than you might think.

While commonly referred to as a nut in the culinary world, botanically, kaju—or cashew—is not a true nut but the seed of a drupe. It grows uniquely from a larger, fleshy false fruit known as the cashew apple, which is also edible. The distinction between a botanical nut, a drupe, and a seed reveals the fascinating biology behind this popular snack.

Though its name contains the word "nut," peanut butter is actually made from a legume, putting it in the same botanical family as peas and beans. This distinction is crucial for both culinary understanding and for individuals managing food allergies.

Did you know that despite its name, the peanut is not a true nut? Botanically speaking, a peanut is actually a legume, putting it in the same plant family as peas, beans, and lentils. This fundamental distinction answers the question, 'What food group is a peanut?'