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Are lentils nuts?

Published in Food science 1 min read

No, lentils are not nuts.

Lentils are legumes, which are edible seeds that grow in pods. Nuts, on the other hand, are fruits composed of an inedible hard shell and a seed, which is generally edible.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Lentils: Belong to the Fabaceae (legume) family. They grow in pods, like peas and beans. Examples include brown lentils, green lentils, red lentils, and black lentils.

  • Nuts: Are fruits characterized by a hard, dry outer shell that encloses an edible kernel. Examples include almonds, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts (peanuts are technically legumes but are often considered nuts culinarily).

Feature Lentils Nuts
Botanical Class Legume (seed inside a pod) Fruit (seed inside a hard shell)
Plant Family Fabaceae Varies depending on the type of nut (e.g., Juglandaceae, Anacardiaceae)
Growth Grow in pods Grow on trees or shrubs
Common Uses Soups, stews, salads, side dishes Snacks, baking, ingredients in dishes
Allergens Can be allergenic, but less common than nuts Common allergens

Therefore, due to their botanical classification and growth characteristics, lentils are categorized as legumes and are distinctly different from nuts.