Nuts vs. Peanuts — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
Nuts are a diverse group of hard-shelled fruits known for their variety, such as almonds and walnuts, while peanuts are legumes that grow underground and are botanically distinct from tree nuts.
Difference Between Nuts and Peanuts
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Nuts generally come from trees and include varieties like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, which have hard shells that are cracked to reveal the edible seeds. Peanuts, on the other hand, grow underground and are technically legumes, similar to peas and lentils.
While most tree nuts are consumed raw, roasted, or used in cooking, peanuts are often found in various forms such as roasted, boiled, and as ingredients in foods like peanut butter and candies.
Nuts are often praised for their health benefits, including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which vary widely among different types. Peanuts are particularly noted for their high protein content and are a significant source of biotin and vitamin E.
In terms of allergies, both nuts and peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions; however, peanut allergies are more commonly severe and widely recognized, leading to strict labeling and avoidance strategies in food manufacturing.
The economic impact of both is significant, with nuts like almonds and walnuts being major agricultural products in various regions, while peanuts are a staple crop in countries like the United States and China, heavily used in culinary traditions and commercial products.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Botanical Classification
Seeds of fruits with hard shells
Legumes, grow underground
Common Types
Almonds, walnuts, cashews
Peanuts only
Nutritional Content
High in omega-3 fatty acids, varies by type
High in protein, biotin, vitamin E
Uses in Cooking
Raw, roasted, used in desserts and dishes
Roasted, boiled, peanut butter, candies
Allergy Prevalence
Common, severe reactions possible
Highly allergenic, often severe reactions
Compare with Definitions
Nuts
Hard-shelled fruits whose edible seeds are consumed.
She added chopped nuts to the salad for extra crunch.
Peanuts
Commonly used to make peanut butter.
He made fresh peanut butter at home using roasted peanuts.
Nuts
Known for their health benefits, including healthy fats.
Eating nuts regularly can improve heart health.
Peanuts
Legumes that are often mistaken for nuts.
Despite their name, peanuts are closer to beans and lentils.
Nuts
Often found in a variety of culinary dishes worldwide.
Almonds are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Peanuts
Often used in confectioneries and snacks.
Chocolate-covered peanuts are a favorite movie snack.
Nuts
Can be consumed raw or processed into oils and butters.
Cashew butter is a popular alternative to peanut butter.
Peanuts
Associated with significant allergy concerns.
Schools often ban peanuts to protect students with severe allergies.
Nuts
Commonly used in baking and cooking.
Walnuts and pecans are popular nuts in pies.
Peanuts
High in protein, making them a good snack option.
Peanuts are a popular protein-rich snack after workouts.
Nuts
Crazy or foolish.
Peanuts
Peanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz. Its original run extended from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward.
Nuts
Extremely enthusiastic
I'm nuts about opera.
Peanuts
A prostrate southern Brazilian plant (Arachis hypogaea) widely cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions, having yellow flowers on stalks that bend over so that the seed pods ripen underground.
Nuts
Used to express contempt, disappointment, or refusal.
Peanuts
The edible, nutlike, oily seed of this plant, used for food and as a source of oil. Also called regionally goober, goober pea.
Nuts
Plural of nut
Peanuts
A peanut-shaped piece of polystyrene, used in cushioning items during shipment.
Nuts
(poker) An unbeatable hand; the best poker hand available.
If the board is 237QA, all of spades, the nuts is 45 of spades.
If the board is 4444J, the nuts is any hand with an ace.
Peanuts
A small child. Often used as a term of affection.
Nuts
(colloquial) Insane, mad.
After living on the island alone for five years, he eventually went nuts.
Peanuts
A person who is regarded as insignificant.
Nuts
Crazy, mad; unusually pleased or, alternatively, angered.
I just go nuts over her fantastic desserts.
The referee made a bad call against the home team and the crowd went nuts.
Peanuts
Peanuts(Informal) A very small amount of money; a trifling sum.
Nuts
(colloquial) Very fond of (on) someone.
He's been nuts on her since the day they met.
Peanuts
Plural of peanut
Nuts
Indicates annoyance, anger, or disappointment.
Nuts! They didn't even listen to what I had to say.
Peanuts
A very small or insufficient amount (especially of a salary).
It's a fun job, but it pays peanuts.
Nuts
Signifies rejection of a proposal or idea, as in no way, or nothing doing; often followed by to.}}
They want me to pay $5 for a banana? Nuts to that!
Peanuts
An insignificant sum of money; a trifling amount;
Her salary is peanuts compared to his
Nuts
Crazy; loony; insane; batty; - used in a predicate position, ususually in phrases such as to go nuts, went nuts, are you nuts?
Nuts
An expression of disapproval, defiance, or displeasure, as in: "Ah, nuts! My knife just broke."
Nuts
Informal or slang terms for mentally irregular;
It used to drive my husband balmy
Common Curiosities
Which are healthier, nuts or peanuts?
Both have significant health benefits, though nuts generally offer more variety in nutrients while peanuts are high in protein.
What are the main botanical differences between nuts and peanuts?
Nuts are seeds of fruit with hard shells from trees, while peanuts are legumes that grow underground.
Are peanuts used in any unique culinary applications?
Peanuts are widely used in dishes like peanut sauce and boiled peanuts, and are staples in many Asian cuisines.
Can people with tree nut allergies eat peanuts?
It depends on the individual's specific allergies; someone allergic to tree nuts is not necessarily allergic to peanuts.
What are some common uses of nuts in cooking?
Nuts are used in a range of dishes from desserts like baklava and pecan pie to savory dishes like roasted nut crusted fish.
Why are peanuts considered legumes?
Peanuts grow underground and are part of the legume family, which includes beans and lentils.
Is it common for nuts to be included in diets for health reasons?
Yes, nuts are often included in diets for their beneficial fats and nutrients, promoting heart health and weight management.
What role do peanuts play in global agriculture?
Peanuts are a major agricultural crop, particularly in the U.S. and China, and are critical to both economies and diets.
How should nuts and peanuts be stored to maintain freshness?
Both should be stored in airtight containers, possibly refrigerated or frozen to extend freshness.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with growing nuts or peanuts?
Water usage is a significant concern, especially for nuts like almonds; peanuts require crop rotation to maintain soil health.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Work vs. Service
Next Comparison
Whooping vs. WhoppingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
