Why are peanuts not considered true nuts?

Peanuts are not considered true nuts because, botanically, they are classified as legumes, belonging to the Fabaceae or pea family. Here's a breakdown:

• Botanical Definition of a Nut: A true nut is a hard-shelled fruit of some plants having a single, usually edible kernel. The shell does not open to release the seed. Examples include chestnuts and hazelnuts.
• Peanut Characteristics: Peanuts grow underground in a pod that contains multiple seeds (the parts we eat). This pod is the fruit of the plant. This growth habit and fruit type are characteristic of legumes, like peas and beans.
• Plant Family: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) belong to the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family. This family includes other common legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans.
• Culinary vs. Botanical: The confusion arises because, in cooking and everyday language, "nut" often refers to any edible kernel in a shell. Peanuts are used similarly to true nuts in cuisine, but this doesn't change their botanical classification.
• Why it Matters: Understanding this distinction is important, especially for allergies. Peanut allergies are to a legume, while tree nut allergies are to true nuts or seeds of drupes.

Essentially, despite the "nut" in their name and their nutty flavor and texture, peanuts are botanically a type of pea or bean