Nuts vs. Legumes: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 22, 2023
"Nuts" are hard-shelled fruits with a single, large seed. "Legumes" refer to plants or seeds of the Fabaceae family, like peas or lentils.
Key Differences
"Nuts" are often recognized for their hard, inedible outer shell, and the nutritious, edible seed inside. This contrasts with "Legumes," which are plants that bear fruit in the form of pods enclosing the seeds, commonly known as peas, beans, or lentils.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
In terms of nutritional content, "Nuts" are typically high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a filling snack option. Conversely, "Legumes" also offer a high-protein food choice but are lower in fat and higher in carbohydrates compared to nuts, often considered an essential source of protein in plant-based diets.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
From a culinary perspective, "Nuts" are versatile, used in both sweet and savory dishes or eaten raw. "Legumes," however, are mostly used in savory dishes, from soups to stews, and often require cooking or soaking to be digestible, unlike nuts that can be consumed raw.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
When considering their growth, "Nuts" usually come from trees or bushes, with each nut containing a single seed. In contrast, "Legumes" are the fruit or seed of leguminous plants (members of the plant family Fabaceae) and are grown in pods that can contain numerous seeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Economically, both "Nuts" and "Legumes" have significant roles. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are important agricultural products in various regions. Legumes, on the other hand, contribute to sustainable agriculture due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nutritional Content
High in healthy fats and protein
Lower in fat, high in protein and carbs
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Culinary Use
Eaten raw, used in sweet/savory dishes
Used in savory dishes, require cooking
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Economic Impact
Important agricultural products
Contribute to sustainable agriculture
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
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Nuts and Legumes Definitions
Nuts
Hard-shelled fruits.
She cracked open the walnuts to reveal the Nuts inside.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Legumes
Seeds of the Fabaceae family.
She added several types of Legumes to her shopping list.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Legumes
Used in savory dishes.
The stew was hearty and full of various Legumes.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
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Nuts
Used in various dishes.
The chef garnished the dish with finely chopped Nuts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Legumes
Beneficial for soil health.
Farmers rotate crops with Legumes to improve soil quality.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Legumes
High in protein.
Vegetarians often consume Legumes as a protein source.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Legumes
A pod of such a plant, which splits into two valves with the seeds attached to one edge of the valves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Legumes
Such a pod or seed used as food. Peas, beans, and lentils are legumes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
(colloquial) Insane, mad.
After living on the island alone for five years, he eventually went nuts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
(colloquial) Very fond of (on) someone.
He's been nuts on her since the day they met.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
Indicates annoyance, anger, or disappointment.
Nuts! They didn't even listen to what I had to say.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
Crazy; loony; insane; batty; - used in a predicate position, ususually in phrases such as to go nuts, went nuts, are you nuts?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
An expression of disapproval, defiance, or displeasure, as in: "Ah, nuts! My knife just broke."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Nuts
Informal or slang terms for mentally irregular;
It used to drive my husband balmy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Are "Nuts" high in calories?
Yes, they're calorie-dense, but they provide healthy fats.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Can "Legumes" cause digestive issues?
For some, legumes can cause gas or bloating; preparation methods can mitigate this.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Why are "Legumes" considered environmentally friendly crops?
They fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Are "Legumes" good protein sources for vegetarians?
Absolutely, they're high in protein and other nutrients.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
What are popular types of "Nuts"?
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are a few examples.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Can "Legumes" be eaten raw?
No, they usually require cooking for safe consumption.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
What are the health benefits of "Nuts"?
They're heart-healthy, high in fiber, and good for cholesterol levels.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
How should "Nuts" be stored?
In a cool, dry place, sometimes refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Do "Legumes" need to be soaked?
Often, soaking legumes can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Are "Nuts" keto-friendly?
Many are, thanks to their high-fat, low-carb profile.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Are "Legumes" suitable for all diets?
Mostly, yes, though some low-carb diets may limit them.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
How do "Nuts" affect weight management?
They're satiating but calorie-dense, so moderation is key.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Are "Legumes" low in fat?
Generally, yes, they're lower in fat compared to many protein sources.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Are "Legumes" considered vegetables?
They're technically fruits but are commonly categorized as vegetables in dietary contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
How do "Legumes" impact blood sugar?
They're low on the glycemic index, beneficial for blood sugar control.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Can "Nuts" go bad?
Yes, they can become rancid over time or when exposed to heat.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Do "Nuts" have omega-3 fatty acids?
Some, like walnuts, are good sources of omega-3s.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
