What a fruit loop! Yep, pistachios are unusual. Although sold as nuts, they’re actually a drupe. That’s a fleshy tree fruit containing a single, shell-covered seed. And, here’s another one – almonds are also drupes or the ‘seed’ of an almond fruit, and yes, the fleshy outer husk is also edible although the way it is eaten depends on how ripe it is.
Going nutty? A little bit of nutmeg is tasty, but don’t eat too much. In large doses, this popular seasoning can have mind-altering effects due to a natural compound called myristicin When ingested in high doses, myristicin may produce hallucinogenic effects. On the other hand, one cannot deny the popularity of Nutella which does its best to sweeten us. At least 25% of hazelnuts are used to make Nutella, with some universities (So it’s said)trying to find ways to grow them in laboratories to help offset global shortages.
Bolivia not Brazil: Did you know only about 2% of Brazil nuts actually come from Brazil? Apparently most of these nuts are grown in Bolivia.