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:
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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.
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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.