No, green peas are not tree nuts. They are legumes.
Here's a breakdown:
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Legumes vs. Tree Nuts: Legumes are a family of plants that produce pods containing seeds. Examples include peas, beans, and lentils. Tree nuts, on the other hand, are hard-shelled fruits produced by trees. Examples include almonds, walnuts, and pecans.
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Why the Confusion? Sometimes, the term "nut" is used loosely. However, botanically, peas are definitely legumes. Also, peanuts, often mistaken as nuts, are also legumes and are more closely related to peas than tree nuts are.
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Key Differences:
Feature Legumes (e.g., Green Peas) Tree Nuts (e.g., Almonds) Plant Family Leguminosae Various (e.g., Juglandaceae) Growth Habit Grow in pods on plants Grow on trees Examples Peas, beans, lentils, peanuts Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews
In summary, green peas belong to the legume family, characterized by edible seeds growing in pods. They are distinct from tree nuts, which grow on trees and have hard shells.