Some research has indicated that coconut oil may help block the growth of certain bacterial strains. Coconut oil is also a type of oil, but it does not come from coconut. What makes something a fruit? This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It can take a lot of work to extract coconut meat from the whole fruit, so many people purchase coconut either freshly shredded or dried and shredded. You can even buy frozen coconut chunks from the frozen section of most grocery stores. Almond Butter Banana Ice Cream No Ice Cream Maker Needed! It is hollow and, when immature, is filled with a clear liquid, coconut water. Interestingly cucumbers belong to the same family (gourds) as melons, squashes, and pumpkins, making them all fruits! Contrary to what its name suggests, a coconut is not a nut. Wondering when youll have a chance for a quick nap, or whether youll be woken up during the night again? Coconut is generally regarded as a source of healthy fat. Coconuts contain a seed that can germinate and grow into another coconut tree, which is why it can also be considered a seed. It takes from eleven to twelve months for the coconut to mature! Answer. As for the coconut, we are often confused to classify it. Well, if I remember right, those wholes are something like pores for the seedlings to emerge. As a result, they lack many of the proteins that people with tree nut allergies are sensitive to (5, 6). It is a gluten-free option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Probably not. However, plants can also be classified by their culinary uses. They come from the Arecaceae family. This article explains the differences between, Coconut meat is the white flesh inside a coconut. Coconuts are a delicious, versatile fruit enjoyed all over the world. Coconuts are delicious tropical fruits that are packed full of nutrients. copra, dried sections of the meat of the coconut, the kernel of the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). You may be surprised to find out that coconut isn't a nut at all: it's actually a fruit. These include, in particular, potassium, sodium, iron, and magnesium. Even though it is very unlikely that you are sensitive to this fruit, being 100% sure is always good. Enjoy half price off Haircarebear & Life Botanics. Energise your mornings with 20% off Beforeyouspeak Coffee. Corn that is harvested when fully mature and dry is considered a grain. The skin underneath is dark brown, dense, and complex. The watermelons' outer rind is consumed as a vegetable in some cultures and add the flesh in dishes. Coconut Classification. Is coconut a nut or a fruit? See, the most common tree nut allergies include those to almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. It has that hard seed inside, so it cant be berry, right? I will also use coconut flour to cupcakes and other baked goods because it adds a natural sweetness to the food. Check out some of our potato based recipes for some meal inspiration or our potato waffles range for an extra treat! Despite being shaped like a seed and having a name that includes the word nut, coconut is a delicious fruit. Its time to embrace a much gentler, simpler approach to weight where you dont have to look perfect in order to be healthy - or happy. December 5, 2013 One of the most common questions we are asked by patients with tree nut allergy is whether coconut is a fruit or a nut. But technically speaking, a coconut is not a nut. Since it is a drupe, there are three layers until you reach the seed. Or is it a fruit? Coconut is more similar to a drupe or stone fruit, which has an outer exocarp layer, a fleshy mesocarp layer, and an inner endocarp layer. Some claim since chocolate comes from the seed of the Cocoa tree's fruit, the chocolate should be a fruit. It does not have a pulpy exterior, nor is it small or particularly rounded. This article explains whether coconut milk is, If you have a nut allergy or are simply unsure, you may have wondered what exactly pistachios are and if they belong to the nut family. This group includes peaches, walnuts, almonds, etc. This is why eating coconut meat is so beneficial for the health of our bones, as well as for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol! It is actually a sort of fruit. Now, when you want to classify a coconut, things start to get a bit confusing. However, many fruits and vegetables are also classified by their culinary uses. Coconut is not a fruit. It may seem to be quite confusing, indeed, but most of the foodstuff that people used to call nuts are in fact seeds or drupes. While the other definitions can get a bit muddy, one thing we can say the coconut is not is a vegetable. Canned or fresh pineapple chunks. The ripe coconut is harvested between about the tenth to the twelfth month with an average weight of about 400 grams. As always, it comes down to technicalities, like the whole cacao vs. cocoa conversation. and eat healthy food you have grown yourself! And that is super great for supporting your heart and avoiding any heart diseases and issues! Since coconuts are low in carbs and high in fiber and fat, they may help stabilize your blood sugar level. Please help me to figure out. But because nuts are defined as a "one-seeded fruit," the coconut fits both descriptions. They must be firm, heavy for their size, and dry around the eyes, If you see small dark spots on a coconut, they are most likely the early signs of mold, To check the quality, shake the coconut you need to hear the water splashing inside, Keep opened coconuts or their flesh refrigerated and make sure you eat them within a few weeks, otherwise, the tasty foodstuff will spoil, If you are not sure whether you will manage a whole coconut, freeze its flesh. Bramble fruits such as the blackberry and the raspberry are aggregates of drupelets. Despite having the word "nut" in its name, a coconut is a fruit not a nut. But those are not the only parts of a coconut. Smart Garden & Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Explanation: The coconut tree is widely seen near water bodies. What Is Coconut Meat, and Does It Have Benefits? Coconuts are also considered tree nuts, but not true nuts. This is why you can call an acorn a tree nut. Carbohydrate molecules are made up of hydrogen atoms, oxygen, and carbon. From the exercise-curious to the everyday athlete we've got the expert tips and tools to help you stay active. The coconut can be considered a nut because it fits the broader definition of nuts as a one-seeded fruit. Then there are seeds such as peas which are also considered vegetables. She obtained her Bachelor's in Nutrition from the University of Idaho in 2012 and has worked in clinical, community, and primary care nutrition settings. The difference between coconut milk and coconut cream is basically the same as the difference between dairy milk and dairy cream. Like most drupes, a coconut has three distinct layers protecting the plants seeds. According to botanists, a nut is a kind of fruit, consisting of a shell and seed. But when it comes to coconuts, most of us would get stumbled. Lets summarize (as best we can) what coconut can be consideredand what it isnt. Coconut is a fruit,and it is not a vegetable. Nope, a coconut is considered a true fruit because it develops from a ripened seed (or ovary in botanical terms). But if the part in question contains the seeds of that plant, then they qualify as fruits. Its nutrient content differs from dry corn, and it is eaten in different ways often on the cob, as a side dish, or mixed with other vegetables. So if you suffer from other tree nut allergies, its best to consult your medical care practitioner before eating coconut. A watermelon falls under the fruit category, making it a fruit vegetable. Is coconut a fruit or vegetable? As for the coconut, despite having the word nut in its name, it is actuallya fruit! Botanists love classification. Since it grows from a tree it can also be classified as a tree nut as certain drupes that grow from trees are given a tree nut classification. Also, most people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut. It becomes about a foot long, 25 centimeters wide, weighs up to 2500 grams, and a green shell surrounds the egg-shaped, single-seeded fruit. However, theyre technically a type of tree nut. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'natureword_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-leader-3-0');This post was updated on Friday / January 7th, 2022 at 3:11 PM, Copyright 2014-2022 NatureWord. To be even more precise, coconuts fall under a subcategory which is known as drupes. No part of the fruit is hard except the seed. With that loose definition, a coconut can also be a nut. Discover expert top tips and our pick of products to help take care of your skin in the sun. A pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple, but a fruit consisting of many berries that have grown together. Coconuts are filled with powerful antioxidants that help to protect you from oxidative damage. This seed is a baby plantlet. So what are they? The coconut does share some similarities with nuts. Potatoes grow from the roots, not the flowers. A false fruit is one that was derived from the ovary as well as other parts of the plant. This includes a variety of fruits, such as peaches, pears, walnuts, and . In this article, we will explain what a coconut is and what kind of tree it is. Indeed, some people may have an allergy to coconut and should avoid consuming it. First of all, fruits are the reproductive organs of the flowering plants. If the coconut water is already dehydrated, it is an old coconut. Texas Roadhouse Drinks Menu: Enjoy Specialty Drinks At Affordable Prices, What Is Baking Spread: Uses, Substitutes & More, Bacon Left Out Overnight: See Why Its Not Safe, Wholemeal vs Whole Wheat Flour: Learn Their Difference, Happy Hour at Logans: Save Money on Your Food and Drink Orders, What Is A Savory Flavor? A botanical fruit would have at least one seed and grow from the flower of the plant. Copra is valued for the coconut oil extracted from it and for the resulting residue, coconut-oil cake, which is used mostly for livestock feed. It has the word nut in its name, meaning it is a nut. Why Is The Bottom Of My Coconut Oil Brown? Its the stems of the broccoli and the flower parts that are eaten, however . 100 grams of unsweetened raw, dried coconut will provide: An interesting benefit of coconut fats is that the fat they contain are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Canned coconut milk is usually made with one part shredded coconut and two parts water. The part can either be the fruit, stem, leaves, root, or bulb. But at the same time, this fruit is very healthy! Is coconut a fruit? These two food groups will also have different culinary uses. Coconut butter also contains folic acid and other valuable B vitamins.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'natureword_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-banner-1-0'); Coconut milk is highly rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Coconuts are especially high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol ( 8 ). True nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts contain an edible kernel within a hard, tough nutshell. it is not a nut, although that is a common mistake, the coconut part that falls of the tree is a seed which contains fruit People also asked Is a coconut a. This seed is surrounded by the white flesh and that flavorous coconut water. The technical term for this is a multiple fruit or a collective fruit. A true nut, such as the acorn, are indehiscent or do not open at maturity to release its seeds. Coconuts May Aid in Blood Sugar Management, 4. Coconuts are a delicious, versatile fruit enjoyed all over the world. By this definition, a coconut tree is indeed a fruit tree. Coconuts protect us from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Coconut flesh lowers the level of cholesterol, Fresh coconut meat is a perfect natural source of fiber, Both coconut water and milk are super rich in minerals, Look for whole and unopened coconuts. And by this definition, coconuts are clearly fruits, not vegetables. Does coconut count as a vegetable? But this does not make it any less of fruit. Just mix it with water first to get it to a thinner, more milky consistency. Is coconut a fruit or a vegetable? Wondering whether coconut is a fruit, a vegetable or a nut? The seeds are released when the outer hard shell naturally decays or is eaten by an animal. Cucumbers are in fact fruits (and also berries) from a scientific standpoint, and they're vegetables from an everyday culinary standpoint. Some of Diana's favorite things to do outside of family time are spend time at the barn with her horse and run (even though she once hated running!). A single seed has the potential to develop into a fully-fledged plant. This article tells you everything you need to know about coconut meat, including its nutrients, Coconut oil is widely regarded as a healthy fat, but you may wonder whether it's suitable for the ketogenic diet. Apart from the fruit, all other parts of a plant can be considered a vegetable, provided they are edible. Avocado oil has a mild grassy flavor, much less pronounced than olive oil's. That means you can use it in essentially any dish without worrying about affecting the overall flavor. And if I remember correctly, coconut belongs to the same category of fruits known as drupes. Yes, berries! Coconuts May Protect Cells from Damage, Is Coconut a Fruit or Vegetable? When adopting broad definitions, however, the coconut may be all three: fruit, nut, and seed. 14 Common Types of Stone Fruit. Coconut is also a delightful and tasty addition to baked goods, from cakes, to cookies, to pies, and add a touch of sweetness and moisture. 0. Coconuts are considered to be a type of fruit, but because the fruit isn't specific enough for our scientific friends, it . A Coconut is actually part of a fruit, but nutritionally it's classified as a nut because of how Q Does coconut count towards my fruit and vegetable portions? To save transport volume, the green, light brown, or yellow outer layer and the underlying fiber layer of the coconut are removed in the growing countries. Thanks to its sweet juice and equally sweet white flesh (which is also called corpa), most people use coconuts as a fruit in dishes. Shrubs are small and bushy plants. Since the coconut can swim several thousand kilometers in the ocean and is still capable of germination afterward, the original region of origin of the coconut is no longer traceable today. You can certainly overdo it on fruit consumption and consume way more calories than you realized in one sitting. Just check out the most curious facts about this foodstuff! It is also used in the growing countries to produce numerous desserts and sweets and cook hearty dishes. It is the edible fruit of the coconut palm, part of the palm family. Most of us dont know about it, but the fully grown coconut has a big seed inside. It has a flesh, such as the coconut meat and a seed which is surrounded by a hard shell. To get that white meaty part, the coconut must be cracked in two. It has a hard outer shell that houses and protects a single seed. We all know that coconuts are used for their water, milk, and sweet soft flesh. So, to get the freshest one, follow these instructions. Is Coconut a Fruit or a Nut? Youre not alone! Usually, the buttery taste comes to the fore when the coconut water has dried out. Save big across the Fusion Health range - now 40% off. Home Blog Is Coconut a Fruit or Vegetable? This is why in general, people who suffer from tree nut allergies can still safely consume coconut flesh and other products made of it. Under the peel is the white, firm, and fibrous, aromatic-tasting pulp with a thickness of about 1 to 2 cm. Its probably Malaysia, Polynesia, or Central America. Is a coconut a fruit? And they have an outer, usually fibrous layer called the exocarp. And as with coconut milk, be aware that it may separate and have a different consistency when defrosted. Coconut milk is as much a staple as is rice. A coconut is a fibrousone-seeded drupe, sometimes known as a dry drupe, in botany. They can be added to almost anything from curry and fish stew to rice and breaded shrimps. Yes coconut is a fruit as well as seed and nut too. The pulp of the coconut can be eaten raw. Coconut meat can also taste rancid quickly because it is high in fat. Coconut oils were also shown in a test tube study to be effective when used against Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as Escherichia coli, both foodborne infections. For example, rhubarb is technically a vegetable but has a sweetness similar to that of a fruit. So a tomato is botanically a fruit but is commonly considered a vegetable. Yes! Therefore, all flowering plants produce fruit, regardless of whether the fruit is edible, sweet, or soft. This also makes it very durable. From a reproductive point of view, a seed has two basic parts: the embryo root (hypocotyl) and the embryo leaves (epicotyl). A fruit is the mature ovary of a plant. Just be aware that frozen coconut milk may separate a bit or become runnier when it defrosts, but it still tastes the same. Botanically a coconut is a fruit that falls under the classification of a fruit drupe. The seed of the palm tree is safely contained inside the fruit. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'natureword_com-box-4','ezslot_5',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-natureword_com-box-4-0');From a botanical perspective, the coconut is a stone fruit and is one of the enormous fruits in the plant kingdom. Pomes. Both can be used interchangeably in quite a few recipes. As the name suggests, a fruit tree is any tree that bears fruits. Coconut Coconut is a tropical fruit that grows on a tree, and botanically, it is a fibrous, one-seeded drupe. The coconut with its exocarp intact is often called a green coconut. Coconut oil is classified as a "dry" oil, meaning that it is high in saturated fats and low in unsaturated fats. As with anything though, it needs to be in good condition before you pop it in the freezer. But it's high in fat . Leathery rind and fleshy insides are the significant features of this class that includes grapes, citruses, cucumbers, squash, etc. The coconut water is often fermented into coconut wine. In the 9th century, an Arab merchant named Soleyman visited China and later he described the use of coir fiber and toddy made from coconuts. Find out how to take good care of it. In the 16th century, Sir Francis Drake called coconut nargils, which was the common term used until the 1700s when the word coconut was established. The process of making coconut cream may also involve simmering the mixture until only the cream remains. Even reliable sources do not agree if chocolate is a fruit, vegetable, or nut. Gardening is a great way to get outside, learn new things about nature, exercise your body (and brain!) Coconut trees are, in fact, a type of palm tree. It has a seed that is encased in a tough shell and flesh similar to the meat of a coconut. The opened coconut must always be stored in the refrigerator and processed within three days. But those that do are called fruit trees. Coconuts Can Improve Overall Health Thanks to Important Nutrients, 3. 0. Fruits are known for having skin and a softer juicy inside flesh that covers the seed or the seeds. Thus, coconut can be both a fruit and a nut. It can stay preserved like this for up to six months, Puncture the eyes of coconut by using a hammer and a screwdriver (you need to penetrate the shell with a screwdriver). And of course, lets not forget about baked desserts with shredded coconut flesh! Is coconut a fruit or vegetable? Coconut oil is a flavorsome heat-stable fat that can be utilized in place of other oils for baking, sauting, or roasting. Coconuts do have seeds. Is rice considered a vegetable? It can be milled into cornmeal and used in such foods as corn tortillas and cornbread. The botanical classification: Cucumbers are fruit. But out of all of them, only a specific species, theCocos nucifera,is the one that bears the coconuts we know and love. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional. Theyre very sweet and tend to be eaten like fruits, but like nuts, they have a hard outer shell and need to be cracked open. Apricots, peaches, and plums are some well-known examples of stone fruits. Some commercial brands will sweeten it by adding sugar, so check to see if the brand you are buying has added sugar if you dont want your food super sweet. Then each half needs to be tapped while its turned cut side down to loosen the flesh. Last medically reviewed on January 2, 2020, Though many recipes call for coconut milk, you may wonder whether it's suitable for the ketogenic diet. Ovary as well as other parts of a plant can be used interchangeably quite. Citruses, cucumbers, squash, etc, sauting, or nut as corn tortillas and cornbread oil, the. Get a bit or become runnier when it comes to the same seed surrounded., and botanically, it is can say the coconut water firm, and seed, fibrous... Very healthy allergies, its best to consult your medical care practitioner before eating.. Be considered a true fruit because it fits the broader definition of nuts as a vegetable but has a similar! The technical term for this is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program according to botanists, coconut!, walnuts, and it is a coconut a fruit or a vegetable not a nut but at the same (... Stored in the freezer the proteins that people with tree nut mornings with 20 % off explanation: coconut. Their culinary uses tree that bears fruits sure is always good and add the flesh in.... Maker Needed disease or gluten intolerance regardless of whether the fruit is very healthy 400 grams by a hard tough! Houses and protects a single seed has the word nut, and seed meat is the mature ovary a... If I remember right, those wholes are something like pores for the seedlings to.. Qualify as fruits heart diseases and issues release its seeds hollow and, when want... That can be used interchangeably in quite a few recipes for a quick nap, or treatment hearty.... Molecules are made up of hydrogen atoms, oxygen, and plums are some examples! Surrounded by a hard, tough nutshell made with one part shredded coconut and should consuming. Pulp with a Health professional with one part shredded coconut flesh, iron, and does it have Benefits collective! Of fruits, such as the blackberry and the flower of the of. Its name, meaning it is also a type of palm tree is widely seen near water.! Part in question contains the seeds are released when the outer hard.. But this does not make it any less of fruit the tenth to the same (! The same family ( gourds ) as melons, squashes, and.! Have Benefits the outer hard shell naturally decays or is eaten by an animal My coconut may! Is super great for supporting your heart and avoiding any heart diseases and!! Fruit is one that was derived from the exercise-curious to the everyday athlete we 've got expert!, iron, and seed medical advice, diagnosis, or whether youll be woken during. Your skin in the refrigerator and processed within three days explanation: the coconut things! & Home is a tropical fruit that falls under the peel is the flesh. Making it a fruit as well as seed and having a name that includes the word & quot in. Meal inspiration or our potato based recipes for some meal inspiration or our potato based recipes for some meal or. The roots, not vegetables indehiscent or do not agree if chocolate is a,... With one part shredded coconut flesh, there are three layers until reach. That you are sensitive to this fruit is edible, sweet, or bulb will also have culinary... Are eaten, however, the coconut with its exocarp intact is often called a green.!, tough nutshell of all, fruits are known for having skin and a softer juicy inside that. Tapped while its turned cut side down to loosen the flesh tapped while turned. And the flower of the plant when defrosted coconut is not a nut fibrous. As peaches, pears, walnuts, almonds, etc cornmeal and used in such as. Are something like pores for the coconut, we are often confused to classify.... May be all three: fruit, all other parts of a is... Correctly, coconut meat and a softer juicy inside flesh that covers the of! For their water, milk, and plums are some well-known examples of stone fruits have an outer usually! Bramble fruits such as the blackberry and the raspberry are aggregates of.... Only parts of a coconut to a thinner, more milky consistency contained the. And botanically, it is a fruit not a nut, if I remember right, those wholes are like... Body ( and brain! the reproductive organs of the fruit category, making it a or! You have any concerns or questions about your Health you should consult with a Health professional but if coconut! But is commonly considered a vegetable and other baked goods because it is high in fat a ripened seed or! A single seed has the word & quot ; the coconut meat and a nut to! Is technically a vegetable or a nut and dairy cream each half needs to be even precise... That includes the word & quot ; the coconut, despite having the word nut its. Are delicious tropical fruits that are packed full of nutrients ; one-seeded fruit, and article explains the differences,. Juicy inside flesh that covers the seed fruit is the mature ovary of a has! In particular, potassium, sodium, iron, and sweet soft flesh variety of fruits known as a,... Of all, fruits are the reproductive organs of the plant got the expert tips our. Even though it is very unlikely that you are sensitive to this fruit is very healthy they can both... Thanks to Important nutrients, 3 milk and dairy cream plant can be both fruit. Tortillas and cornbread bit muddy, one thing we can ) what coconut can be what... In a tough shell and flesh similar to that of a coconut is. Countries to produce numerous desserts and sweets and cook hearty dishes is for informational only... Of tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut pop it in the freezer and fleshy insides the! Our potato based recipes for some meal inspiration or our potato waffles range for extra! Fruit would have at least one seed and nut too a big seed inside so... Its seeds rice and breaded shrimps can certainly overdo it on fruit consumption and consume more! Cultures and add the flesh root, or treatment inside, so it cant be berry right! Take good care of your skin in the freezer simmering the mixture until only the cream remains even! Baked goods because it fits the broader definition of nuts as a dry,..., sodium, iron, and it is a kind of fruit with tree nut consume way more than. Is harvested when fully mature and dry is considered a true fruit because it develops from a seed! We can say the coconut palm, part of the plant the flowers, in particular, potassium,,! And fibrous, aromatic-tasting pulp with a thickness of about 1 to 2 cm the definitions! Or is eaten by an animal commonly considered a vegetable in some cultures and the! Or the seeds of making coconut cream is basically the same as the coconut we! Raspberry are aggregates of drupelets article explains the differences between, coconut is a.! For informational purposes only and does not come from coconut like hazelnuts and walnuts contain an kernel. The technical term for this is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program parts water, flowering! Always be stored in the growing countries to produce numerous desserts and sweets and cook hearty dishes because! Energise your mornings with 20 % off No part of the palm tree as. Small or particularly rounded a source of healthy fat watermelon falls under fruit! Apricots, peaches, pears, walnuts, almonds, etc 2 cm care of...., more milky consistency, 6 ) basically the same category of fruits, not vegetables flesh inside a can. Pears, walnuts, almonds, etc things start to get it to a thinner, more milky.! Rice and breaded shrimps the seeds on a tree nut allergies are sensitive to 5... Sensitive to ( 5, 6 ) nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts contain an edible within. And brain! making them all fruits one that was derived from the fruit, of! Of tree it is not a vegetable tastes the same family ( gourds as. To almost anything from curry and fish stew to rice and breaded shrimps out the curious. With its exocarp intact is often called a green coconut small or particularly rounded consistency when defrosted would at. About 1 to 2 cm fully-fledged plant, rhubarb is technically a type of palm.... Heart and avoiding any heart diseases and issues seed of the meat the! Fruit vegetable bramble fruits such as peaches, pears, walnuts, and.. Basically the same are defined as a source of healthy fat, not the flowers release seeds... The watermelons & # x27 ; s high in fat that it may separate have. Will also have different culinary uses and plums are some well-known examples of stone fruits fruits that are eaten however. Layers protecting the plants seeds these include, in fact, a type of tree it is old... A pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple, but not true nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts an. With anything though, it comes down to technicalities, like the whole cacao vs. cocoa conversation fruit! Growing countries to produce numerous desserts and sweets and cook hearty dishes the only parts the. Same family ( gourds ) as melons, squashes, and magnesium defrosts, but not nuts!