No, almonds are not a legume.
According to the provided reference, almonds are classified as a drupe, not a legume.
Understanding Drupes and Legumes
To clarify, let's briefly examine what distinguishes a drupe from a legume:
Drupes
- Drupes are fruits that have a single seed enclosed in a hard, stony layer.
- They are also known as "stone fruits".
- Examples include peaches, plums, and mangoes.
Legumes
- Legumes are a type of fruit that develops from a simple carpel and usually splits open along two sides.
- They belong to the plant family Fabaceae.
- Examples include peanuts, soybeans, and lentils.
Almond Classification
| Feature | Almond | Legume |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Drupe | Fruit (of Fabaceae family) |
| Seed Enclosure | Hard Shell | Pod that splits |
| Example | Peach, Plum | Peanut, Soybean |
Key Takeaway
Based on the reference, which explicitly states that "almond (a drupe)", it is clear that almonds are not legumes but rather a type of fruit called a drupe. Other common "nuts" have varying classifications. For instance, peanuts are legumes.
