Nuts vs Seeds
In the world today, most seeds are often referred as nuts as if there is no difference between nuts and seeds. However, differences exist between nuts and seeds, which can help in making a distinction between these two types of bio products. Let us first have a general idea about nuts and seeds before we delve into the topic, difference between nuts and seeds. Nut is, according to the Oxford dictionary, a fruit consisting of a hard and tough shell around an edible kernel. Seed, on the other hand, is defined by the dictionary as the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into another such plant. Both seeds and nuts are very popular to be nibbled on as snacks but let us see how they are different from each other and what makes them defined as such.
What are Nuts?
Nuts are usually the fruit derived from plants and they are often comprised of a hard outer shell as well. Some examples of nuts are almond, cashew, hickory, macadamia, butternut and pistachio. In botany, it is specified that a nut does not need to open in order to release the seed and this is referred to as indehiscent. It is also implied that a nut will be a dry fruit with just one seed although it may consist of two seeds on rare occasions.
What are Seeds?
Seeds are defined as an embryonic plant which is covered with what is called a seed coat. This in turn, usually stores food within. Not all seeds are edible, but there are some that are considered as essential to our diet as human beings. Some examples are beans, cereals and grains. They contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which are conducive to the general welfare of a human body.
What is the difference between Nuts and Seeds?
Nuts are filled with protein, vitamins, minerals and fat. Seeds are filled with vitamin B and dietary fibers. While nuts are considered as one-seeded fruit. Seeds are embryonic in nature. Nuts can either be a fruit or seed. A certain fruit usually encloses seeds. Nuts generally have thicker shells. Seeds have flimsy, thin shells.
Summary:
Nuts vs Seeds
• Nuts are considered as one-seeded fruit, seeds are embryonic in nature.
• Nuts are filled with protein, vitamins and minerals; seeds are richer with dietary fibers.
• Nuts have thicker shells; seeds do not have thicker shells.
• Some examples for seeds are beans, cereals and grains.
• Some examples for nuts are almond, cashew, hickory, macadamia, butternut and pistachio.
According to all this information, we can come to the conclusion that though people do not seem to see a difference between nuts and seeds, there actually is a distinct difference between nuts and seeds. This difference appears in size, nature and included nutrients, etc.
Image Courtesy: Mathew Packer (CC BY-SA 2.0), Sage Ross (CC BY-SA 3.0), CIAT (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Further Reading:
- Difference Between Fruits and Nuts
- Difference Between Nut and Legume
- Difference Between Grain and Seed
- Difference Between Seeds and Bulbs