Walnut vs. Apricot: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 8, 2023
A walnut is a hard-shelled nut of the walnut tree, while an apricot is a soft, fleshy fruit with a stone.
Key Differences
Walnuts and apricots are both nutritious foods but differ significantly in their botanical categories, textures, and uses. Walnuts are the edible seeds of trees belonging to the genus Juglans, particularly the Persian or English walnut, Juglans regia. They are known for their hard, wrinkled shells and rich, slightly bitter taste. Apricots, in contrast, are the fruits of the apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca, and are recognized by their soft, velvety skin, and sweet, tangy flavor.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
A walnut, when cracked open, reveals a lobed kernel, which is high in fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, making it a hearty addition to a diet. Apricots are a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, particularly vitamin A and C, and potassium. While walnuts are often eaten raw, toasted, or used in baking, apricots can be consumed fresh, dried, or cooked into various dishes like jams and pastries.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
The physical characteristics of walnuts and apricots are distinct; walnuts have a robust and woody shell that requires a nutcracker to open, while apricots have a soft, fleshy exterior surrounding a hard pit that can be easily removed by hand. The textures once consumed also contrast greatly: walnuts are dense and crunchy, whereas apricots are soft and juicy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Walnuts have a rich history and are often associated with intelligence due to their brain-like appearance of the kernel, which has made them a symbol of wisdom in various cultures. Apricots, with their golden-orange hue, are often associated with the summer season and have been cultivated in China since ancient times. Both have their roots in ancient agriculture but have spread across the world due to their popularity and adaptability.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Though walnuts and apricots can be grown in similar climates and regions, the trees they come from are quite different in appearance. Walnut trees are large and imposing with a thick trunk and broad leaves, capable of living for hundreds of years. Apricot trees are smaller, with a spreading canopy and beautiful spring blossoms that make them popular in gardens and orchards for both their fruit and their aesthetic appeal.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nutritional Content
High in omega-3 fatty acids and protein
High in dietary fiber, vitamins, potassium
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
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Walnut and Apricot Definitions
Walnut
Walnuts are often linked to improved brain health.
Eating walnuts is good for your omega-3 intake.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Apricot
An apricot is a small, golden-orange fruit.
She enjoyed a fresh apricot as a snack.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Walnut
Walnut also refers to the dark, hard wood of the walnut tree.
The antique desk was made of walnut.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Apricot
Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C.
Apricots can help improve your skin health.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Walnut
A walnut is a nut from the walnut tree.
Walnuts add a nice crunch to salads.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
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Apricot
Dried apricots are a popular snack.
He packed a bag of dried apricots for the hike.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Walnut
Botanically, a walnut is the seed of a drupe.
The walnut is encased in a leathery husk before it matures.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Apricot
Apricots are cultivated in temperate regions.
The valley is known for its abundant apricot orchards.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Walnut
In symbolism, walnuts can represent wisdom.
The tradition is to give walnuts to students for good luck in exams.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Apricot
Apricots are versatile in cooking and baking.
Apricot jam is a staple in many pastry recipes.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Walnut
Any of several deciduous trees of the genus Juglans, having pinnately compound leaves and fruits with a rounded sticky husk that encloses an edible seed with a hard shell.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2022
Apricot
A deciduous tree (Prunus armeniaca) native to Asia, having alternate leaves and clusters of usually white flowers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2022
FAQs
Can you eat the shell of a walnut?
No, the shell of a walnut is hard and inedible.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Where do walnut trees grow?
Walnut trees grow in temperate climates around the world.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do apricots have varieties?
Yes, there are several varieties of apricots varying in size and sweetness.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
Is the pit of an apricot edible?
No, the pit of an apricot is not typically eaten.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
Can apricots be dried?
Yes, apricots are often dried for long-term storage and snacking.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
How can you use apricots in cooking?
Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, pastries, and savory dishes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What is a walnut?
A walnut is the edible seed of a tree from the genus Juglans.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What is an apricot?
An apricot is a small, sweet fruit with a stone and soft, orange skin.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
What are the health benefits of walnuts?
Walnuts are good for brain health and are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
What are the health benefits of apricots?
Apricots are high in dietary fiber and vitamins A and C.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
How can you use walnuts in cooking?
Walnuts can be used in baking, salads, and as a topping for dishes.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
Do walnuts come from a type of fruit?
Yes, walnuts come from the fruit of the walnut tree, which is a drupe.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
How do you store apricots?
Fresh apricots should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated; dried apricots can be kept in a cool, dry place.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Can you make oil from walnuts?
Yes, walnut oil is used in cooking and as a finish for wood.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Where do apricot trees grow?
Apricot trees thrive in temperate regions with cold winters.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Can apricot kernels be used to extract oil?
Yes, apricot kernel oil is used in cosmetics and for cooking.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Are walnuts a common allergen?
Yes, walnuts are a common food allergen for some people.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
How do you store walnuts?
Walnuts should be stored in a cool, dry place, or refrigerated.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
What does a walnut taste like?
Walnuts have a rich, earthy flavor that is slightly bitter.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Are walnuts used for their wood?
Yes, walnut wood is prized for furniture and interior finishes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited 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.
