Are Peanuts Peas or Nuts?

Peanuts, despite their name, are not true nuts. Botanically, peanuts belong to the legume family, which includes plants like peas, beans, and lentils. Unlike tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews that grow on trees, peanuts grow underground. They develop from the flower of the peanut plant, which extends into the soil, forming pods that contain the peanuts.

Legumes are generally characterized by their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them beneficial for agricultural purposes. Peanuts share this property, classifying them as legumes rather than true nuts. Therefore, while peanuts are commonly grouped with nuts due to similar culinary uses, scientifically speaking, they are closer to peas and beans than to nuts.

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