Why Are Pine Nuts Not Tree Nuts?

The funny thing about pine nuts is that they’re actually not nuts at all. Pine nuts (also called pignoli or piñón nuts) are the seeds of pine trees and can be commonly found in pine cones.

Are pine nuts considered a tree nut?

Tree nuts include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. An allergy to one tree nut doesn’t necessarily mean that the individual is allergic to all types of tree nuts. However, the individual should speak with an allergist before consuming other tree nuts.

Why is a pine nut not a nut?

Pine Nuts. Pine nuts (Pinus spp.) are not considered true nuts in the botanical sense but are in fact the edible seeds produced by pine trees. Roughly, 20 species of pine produce seeds large enough to be worth harvesting.

Can I have pine nuts with a tree nut allergy?

Pine nuts are in a different botanical category to tree nuts (such as walnuts, Brazils and cashews) and researchers point out that the overwhelming majority of people with pine nut allergy can tolerate these other nuts, and vice versa.

Why are pine nuts called nuts?

True to their name, pine nuts do come from pine trees—pine cones, specifically—but they’re not actually nuts; they’re seeds. It’s perfectly acceptable to call them either nuts or seeds. They take about a year and a half to ripen, but some varieties under certain weather conditions may take double that time.

What nut is not a tree nut?

Nutmeg, water chestnut, butternut squash and shea nuts are not tree nuts (the term “nut” does not always indicate a tree nut) and are generally well tolerated by tree nut-allergic individuals.

Are coconuts a tree nut?

*Coconut. The FDA lists coconut as a tree nut. In fact, coconut is a seed of a drupaceous fruit. Most people allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut.

Why is a cashew not a nut?

Cashews are not really nuts in the true sense, but rather a drupe seed. They grow on fruit producing trees which produce a ‘false fruit’ known as the cashew apple. The fruit resembles a small bell pepper being yellow to red in color.

Why is a peanut not a nut?

Even though peanut has the word “nut” in the name, it’s not really a nut at all. It’s actually a legume. Peanuts are legumes, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods, and are in the same family as beans, lentils, and peas.

Are cashews actually nuts?

Technically, cashews are not nuts, but they’re often classified as such. That’s because they share many nutritional and culinary attributes with other true nuts like hazelnuts and chestnuts.

How common is pine nut syndrome?

Cases of pine mouth are not common, however since 2009 there appears to have been a rise in numbers internationally with several hundred complaints lodged with agencies across countries including France, the UK and USA.

Is pistachio a nut allergy?

Pistachios and cashews share similar allergenic proteins, so those who react to pistachios may also react to cashews and vice versa. However, pistachio allergy is somewhat less common. Of those with tree nut allergies in the United States, for example, only an estimated 7 percent are allergic to pistachios.

Is coconut a pine nut?

Tree nut allergies and coconut
The most common tree nut allergies include those to almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts, while allergic reactions to coconuts are quite rare ( 5 , 6 , 7). Though coconuts are technically tree nuts, they’re classified as a fruit.

Is pistachio a pine nut?

Pistachios are not true botanical nuts. In fact, they’re the edible seed of the pistachio tree fruit. However, like many other seeds, they’re still considered a nut for culinary purposes, as well as a tree nut among those with allergies.

Can dogs eat pine nuts?

Pine Nuts. These nuts are not toxic to your dog. However, they contain high levels of fats and phosphorus, so offer sparingly. Too many can cause gastrointestinal upsets or even pancreatitis.

Can you eat raw pine nuts?

Pine nuts are commonly used in pesto due to their buttery taste. They also can be added to various dishes. They are delicious raw and can be easy to carry with you as a snack. You can roast pine nuts by baking them in the oven or toasting them on the stove.

Is chickpea a tree nut?

Tree Nut Allergy and Peanut Allergy Differences
Tree nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts and pistachios are legumes like chickpeas and lentils, rather than nuts.

Is coconut a tree nut allergy?

Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut.

Is cocoa butter a tree nut?

Cocoa butter is derived from the cocoa bean, the same origin as chocolate. The beans grow in pods, and much like coconut, in different circles it is considered a tree nut, a seed, or a fruit.

Is chocolate a tree nut?

Tree nut proteins can be found in some surprising places, such as cereals, crackers, cookies, candy, chocolates, energy bars, flavored coffee, frozen desserts, marinades, barbeque sauces and some cold cuts, such as mortadella.

Is sunflower a tree nut?

Even though the sunflower seed butter does not contain nuts, it could have come into contact with nuts while it was being made. If you have a severe tree nut or peanut allergy, seed-based products made in facilities that also make nut products are not a safe choice.