We think of many foods as being nuts, but
what are they really? Nuts are seeds, but not all seeds are nuts.
Specifically a nut is a dry fruit with usually one, but sometimes
two or more seeds. These seeds are contained in a hard wall derived
from the ovary and remain unattached to the wall. Seeds can be
removed from the fruit, but nuts are compound ovaries which are the
seed and fruit combined. Not all nuts are edible, some are just too
small, and others can be very bitter. Culinarily we label many
seeds as nuts when they are not. Peanuts are actually legumes.
Cashews are a "false fruit" that forms off the end of the cashew
flower. Many "nuts" such as almonds, pistachios, and coconuts are
actually drupes. Drupes are when a fleshy outside layer surrounds a
hard walled seed, such as a peach. Pine nuts are coniferous seeds.
Macadamias are kernels of seeds. Did you know that macadamia nuts
are toxic to dogs?
Nuts are high in protein and fats, but the fats tend to be the type
that are actually a healthy part of our diet. Especially those
found in almonds and walnuts. Nuts have many other nutritional and
dietary benefits; Pine nuts may curb the appetite and Pecans are
good for your heart. So don't feel too bad about eating all those
nuts during the holidays, just don't go overboard, and enjoy going
nuts.
