Dear Anita

Interesting that you should mention that some nuts might not be classified as nuts. Peanuts are short plants growing underground that require very little water .

Peanuts are legumes that fix nitrogen helping promote plant growth.  Peanuts form symbiotic relationships with Bradyrhizobium bacteria through root nodules allowing the bacteria to take atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and convert it to ammonia (NH3) which can be used by plants.

Cashews come from the fruit  cashew apple which produces seeds that are c-shaped that are cashews. Similarly, walnuts are seeds that come from the walnut fruit.

Pistachios are from the cashew family and they are seeds from pistachio trees.

Macadamia nuts are seeds from evergreen macadamia trees native to Australia.

Pine nuts are seeds from pine cones found in 20 species of pine trees. Some common pine trees to harvest pine nuts include Italian stone pine, Colorado pinion, and Chinese nut pine.

But walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and chestnuts are true nuts. Nuts are technically dry fruits with seeds enclosed in a protective outer layer.

“Peanuts, pistachios, and other ‘nuts’ that aren’t actually nuts”  BusinessInsider

“Peanuts & Sustainability: A case of good bacteria” National Peanut Board

“Nuts” United Forest Service

“Macadamia Nuts” Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

“What are pine nuts?” thespruceeats.com