Discovering Delicious Nuts That Start With H: A Complete Guide

From almonds to peanuts and pecans to walnuts, we’re covering 59 types of nuts, from A to Z in this comprehensive guide to all different kinds of nuts!

Even though peanuts are one of the most common nuts eaten (did you know they aren’t even a nut?!), there are so many more varieties to enjoy, so let’s dive into all different types of nuts!

What is a Nut?

According to the U.S. Forestry Service, nuts are defined as a “dry single-seeded fruit that has a high oil content. They are usually enclosed in a leathery or solid outer layer.“ Botanists define nuts as a composite of seed and dry fruit found inside of a hard outer shell.

Culinarily what we accept as nuts is a bit more broad. Peanuts, for example, have more than one seed and technically are the seed of a legume. So they aren’t actually nuts, but we use them like they are. In addition to peanuts, we will take a look at 59 different kinds of nuts from A to Z!

Ancient Greeks believed that hazelnuts had the ability to cure a specific malady that still doesn’t have a cure today. Can you name it? (find the answer at the end of this post!)

Different Types of Nuts

Let’s dive into 59 different types of nuts! We will cover everything from the common peanut to the more unique like monkey puzzle nuts. We’ve listed them all the way from A to Z!

Acorns are the nuts produced by oak trees, which are native to various regions around the world. These small nuts (1-2 centimeters in length) are not commonly used as food for humans but they are used in some indigenous cultures after being processed to remove bitter tannins. Acorns can be ground into flour and used in baking or cooked to make a variety of traditional recipes.

Almonds are native to the Middle East and Southern Asia, but are now grown in various regions around the world, and are important crops in California, Spain, and Australia. They are medium-sized nuts, with an oval shape and a length generally around 1.5 to 2 centimeters (though the size depends on the types of almond).

Almonds are widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or blanched. They are also used in baking, and cooking, as a topping for salads, or ground into almond butter or flour. They are also a popular ingredient in many desserts, such as marzipan, cookies, and almond milk.

Andean walnuts are a variety of walnuts that are native to the Andean regions of South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador. They are sometimes referred to as Peruvian walnuts or Ecuadorian walnuts, depending on their specific origin. Andean walnuts are generally smaller in size than other walnut varieties, averaging around 2.5cm (1 inch) in length.

Andean walnuts have a rich, buttery flavor with a slightly sweet and earthy undertone. They are known for their smooth and mellow taste making them perfect for a variety of culinary preparations. They can be eaten as a snack, added to baked goods, or incorporated into savory dishes, such as salads or pasta dishes.

Argan nuts come from the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. These trees are primarily found in the southwestern parts of the country making them truly a regional specialty. Argan nuts are relatively small and round, measuring about 2 centimeters in diameter.

Due to their high oil content, Argan nuts are primarily used for oil production. Argan oil is commonly used in Moroccan cuisine for dipping bread, flavoring dishes, and as a salad dressing. It is also used in cosmetics and skincare products.

Baru nuts are native to the cerrado savanna region of Brazil, particularly in the states of Goiás, Tocantins, and Minas Gerais. Baru nuts are similar in size to almonds, measuring around 2 centimeters in length.

Baru nuts have a unique flavor profile, often described as a combination of peanuts and almonds. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are used in a variety of dishes, such as snacks, nut butters, or to produce baru flour, which can be used in baking.

Beech nuts are the small triangular nuts produced by beech trees native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Beech nuts are small, measuring approximately 1-1.5 centimeters in length.

While beech nuts are edible, they are not widely used in culinary applications. They have a high tannin content, which makes them bitter and astringent. They have, however, been historically used in some regions as a source of oil or flour. Beechnuts are much more commonly eaten by wildlife than humans.

Betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, come from the areca palm tree (Areca catechu), which is native to Southeast Asia. Betel nuts are usually small to medium-sized, similar in shape to almonds, and are enclosed within a hard shell. They have a mild, slightly bitter taste with a nutty aroma.

Betel nuts are commonly chewed in many parts of Asia for their stimulating and refreshing effects. They are also used in traditional medicine, as an ingredient in various dishes, and in the preparation of betel quid. This is a mixture of betel nuts, betel leaves, and other ingredients that is chewed as a mouth freshener or for cultural and ceremonial purposes.

Bitter almonds come from a variety of the almond tree native to the Middle East and Central Asia. Bitter almonds are similar in size and shape to sweet almonds, typically small and oval. As the name suggests, bitter almonds have a strong, intense bitter flavor and a distinct almond aroma.

Bitter almonds are not typically consumed directly due to their bitter taste and the presence of a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested. They are, however, sometimes used sparingly in cooking and baking to add a hint of almond flavor to dishes, particularly in traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Black walnuts are native to North America, particularly the eastern United States. They are medium-sized nuts, and a bit smaller than English walnuts. They have a thick, hard shell that can be challenging to crack.

Black walnuts have a robust, rich, and earthy flavor. They are more intense and slightly bitter compared to the milder taste of English walnuts. Just like English walnuts, black walnuts are also used in baking, confectionery, and desserts.

Blanco almonds are a variety of almonds grown primarily in Spain, and sometimes called marcona almonds. They are typically small to medium-sized and have a flat, rounded shape. Blanco almonds have a sweet, delicate flavor and a buttery, moist texture.

Blanco almonds are loved for their taste and are often enjoyed as a snack on their own. They are also commonly used in Spanish cuisine, particularly in dishes like tapas, desserts, and pastries. Marcona almonds are often blanched and roasted to enhance their flavor and texture.

Brazil nuts come from the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), which is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, mainly Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Brazil nuts are large and have a round or oval shape. They are enclosed within a thick, hard shell and have a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.

Brazil nuts are often eaten as a snack on their own or added to various recipes. They are commonly used in baking, confectionery, and desserts such as cookies, cakes, and fudge. Brazil nut oil, extracted from the nuts, is also used in cooking and as a nutritional supplement.

The breadnut, also known as the Maya nut, comes from the tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Breadnuts are medium-sized nuts, roughly the size of a chestnut. Their flavor is described as mildly sweet and nutty, similar to roasted chestnuts.

Breadnuts can be roasted, ground into flour, or cooked to make various dishes. The flour is often used as a gluten-free alternative in baking, and the nuts can be added to soups, stews, and desserts.

Bunya nuts are native to Australia, particularly the eastern regions. Bunya nuts are relatively large, often weighing 15g (½ an ounce) or more, and have a flavor similar to starchy vegetables with a mildly sweet and nutty taste.

Bunya nuts are commonly roasted or boiled before consuming. They can be used in savory dishes such as stir-fries, salads, and stews, or ground into flour for baking.

Butternuts, also known as white walnuts, are native to the eastern United States and southern Canada. They are medium-sized nuts, similar in size to walnuts, and have a rich, buttery flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. Don’t be fooled by their name though, hey are not related to the popular butternut squash.

Butternuts are often enjoyed roasted or used in baking. They can be added to salads, used as a topping for desserts, or incorporated into various recipes such as bread, cakes, and cookies.

Canarium nuts are native to various regions of Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They are relatively small, about the size of a large almond. Canarium nuts have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, resembling a combination of almond and cashew.

Canarium nuts are commonly eaten roasted or used in confections, pastries, and desserts. They can also be used to make oils or incorporated into savory dishes like curries and stir-fries.

Candle nuts, also known as kukui nuts, are native to Polynesia and are found in various tropical regions around the Western Pacific. Candle nuts are small to medium-sized, similar to macadamia nuts, and are known for their rich, oily flavor with a slightly bitter and earthy taste.

In traditional Polynesian cuisine, candle nuts are ground into a paste and added to dishes like curries, sauces, and marinades. They are rarely eaten raw due to their bitterness and are typically roasted or cooked before use.

There is no specific origin for caramel almonds as they are created by coating almonds with caramelized sugar or syrup. Perhaps it is a stretch to call this a different type of nut, but they are such a popular treat that we had to list them.

They have a sweet and crunchy flavor due to the caramel coating, and are often eaten as a snack on their own. They can also be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream, cakes, or pastries, or added to salads or trail mixes for extra sweetness and texture.

Cashews are native to northeastern Brazil but are now cultivated in several other countries, including India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Indonesia. Cashews are medium-sized nuts with a kidney or crescent shape. Their flavor is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet.

Cashews are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used in both savory and sweet dishes. They are often used in stir-fries, curries, salads, and nut butters. Cashews are also a popular ingredient in vegan cheese and dairy-free desserts.

Chestnuts are native to the northern hemisphere, particularly Europe, Asia, and North America. Chestnuts are larger compared to most other nuts, with a rounded shape and a size ranging from small to medium. They’ve made a resurgence in the USA after a blight wiped out most chestnut trees in the USA around 1900.

Chestnuts have a mildly sweet and nutty flavor with a slightly starchy texture. They can be roasted, boiled, or steamed, and are commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. Roasted chestnuts have long been a popular winter snack, thus the lyrics “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”.

Chilean hazelnuts, also known as Chilean filberts, are native to Chile and grow predominantly in the southern regions of the country. Chilean hazelnuts are similar in size to other hazelnuts, and have a slightly sweet flavor, also similar to other varieties of hazelnuts.

Chilean hazelnuts can be eaten raw or roasted and are commonly used in baking, confections, and as a topping for desserts. They are also used in the production of hazelnut oil.

Chinese chestnuts, as the name suggests, originate from China but are now grown in many other countries as well. They are medium-sized nuts, similar to other chestnut varieties, and have a sweet and nutty flavor. These trees are becoming popular in the USA among home gardeners as they grow well and produce plenty of nuts that conveniently fall from the tree when ripe.

Chinese chestnuts are often roasted or boiled and consumed as a snack. They can also be used in stuffings, soups, desserts, or ground into flour for various culinary applications.

Dika nuts, also known as dawadawa, is native to Central and West Africa. Dika nuts are large, oval-shaped nuts, roughly the size of a small apple with a unique, rich, and earthy flavor.

Dika nuts are primarily used in African cuisine, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon. They are ground into a paste or powder and used as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, sauces, and traditional dishes. The paste is fermented and used as a condiment with a distinct umami taste.

The English walnut, also known as the common walnut or Persian walnut, originates from Central Asia, primarily Iran (Ancient Persia). English Walnuts are medium-sized nuts, typically around 1-2 inches in length. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a buttery undertone.

English walnuts are widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are commonly used in baking, such as in cakes, cookies, and pastries. They are also a popular addition to salads, cereals, and granola but can also be ground into a paste for savory uses.

Filberts, also known as Hazelnuts, have been cultivated for centuries in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Filberts are small to medium-sized nuts, typically ranging from 1 – 2 cm in length. Filberts have a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness.

Filberts are widely used in both sweet and savory recipes. They are commonly used in desserts, including chocolates, cakes, and cookies. They are also used in savory dishes like salads, roasted vegetables, and as a crust for meats. Additionally, they are popular for making hazelnut butter, spreads, and oils.

Fritz almonds are a variety of almonds that originated in California (the largest producers of almonds worldwide). Fritz almonds are medium-sized almonds, similar in size to other common almond varieties. They have a sweet, nutty flavor that is characteristic of almonds in general.

Fritz almonds are versatile, and can be used in a wide range of culinary creations. They are commonly used in baking, such as in cookies, cakes, and pastries. They can also be used in savory dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, or as a coating for meats or fish.

Gabon Nuts, also known as Gabon Chestnuts or African Walnuts, come from the Gabon tree (Platonia insignis), which is native to tropical regions of South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest. Gabon Nuts are large nuts, roughly the size of a small orange. They have a unique, creamy flavor with a mild sweetness.

Gabon Nuts are often consumed fresh, but can also be roasted or boiled, and the flesh eaten directly. They can also be used in desserts, such as cakes and puddings, and as an ingredient in traditional Brazilian cuisine.

Ginkgo nuts come from the ginkgo biloba tree, which is native to China. They have been used in traditional Chinese cuisine for centuries. Ginkgo nuts are small to medium-sized nuts, roughly the size of a cherry or grape, and have a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

Ginkgo nuts are primarily used in Chinese cooking. They are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and steamed dishes and can also be used in desserts, such as pastries and confections. However, it’s important to note that raw ginkgo nuts are toxic and must be properly cooked before consumption to remove certain substances that can cause adverse effects.

Green almonds are the unripe, immature fruit of the almond tree, so they can be any of the many almond varieties. They are harvested before the outer hull hardens and the shell forms. They are smaller in size compared to mature almonds, typically around 1 inch in length, and have a unique flavor that is tangy, tart, and slightly sour.

Green almonds are often eaten raw as a snack, particularly in the Middle East, and are often featured in Mediterranean cuisines. They can also be pickled, used in salads, or incorporated into dishes like pilafs, stews, and desserts.

nut and size with mm

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