Just a Minute...Are You Nuts? Trivia Quiz

Answer: pecan

The pecan is regarded as a drupe rather than a true nut. Nevertheless, it is consumed as a nut. It is the product of a species of hickory tree. The pecan nut/seed is edible and has a rich, buttery flavour. Pecans may be eaten fresh or they may be used in sweet desserts such as the pecan pie which is popular in some American states.

Answer: chestnut

Chestnuts are nuts that are full of flavour. They are starchy and sweet. These nuts are produced by trees that are native to temperate areas in the northern hemisphere. Most of the calories in chestnuts are from carbohydrates rather than fats. Chestnuts may be eaten fresh.

They can also be roasted or prepared in a variety of other ways. Did you know that chestnuts can be dried and milled into flour which can be used to make bread? Quite a treat I should think.

Answer: a legume

Peanuts are classified as legumes or beans. They contain a high level of protein and monounsaturated fats. As a result peanuts are useful in protecting both the heart and blood vessels.

Answer: True

Most of the fat in macadamias is monounsaturated fat. The manganese in these nuts helps in the formation of gonadal steroids and protection of the cells from free radicals. Macadamias make a very delicious treat. The oil from macadamias is high in vitamin E.

Answer: almond

Almonds are nuts that are high in fibre, proteins and other nutrients. These nuts are believed to be beneficial to the heart. Almonds may be eaten fresh or toasted. They may also be used to make a nut butter that is very delicious. Oh! I must tell you that they are classified as nut-like drupe seeds.

Answer: a cashew nut

The cashew nut extends from the base of a cashew apple, a fruit which is produced by a tropical, evergreen tree. Cashew nuts contain fats which are from oleic acid which helps in preventing heart disease and cancer.

Answer: coconut

Coconut milk is prepared by grating a brown coconut and extracting the juice by various methods. In the Caribbean this milk is used to prepare a variety of foods. Apart from being used in the preparation of rice dishes, such as rice and peas, it is also used in curries and as a substitute for cow's milk. There are many health benefits associated with the use of coconut milk.

Answer: kola

The kola nut has a bitter taste which is sweetened during the process of chewing. In West Africa this nut may be chewed during certain ceremonies. In the western world it was used to flavour beverages such as cola. The juice from the kola nut can be extracted by boiling.

Answer: False

Acorns are culinary nuts. They are produced by the oak tree. Most acorns have a single seed which is located in a shell that is tough and leathery. These nuts are a favourite of squirrels. There was a time when acorns were a staple food in the diet of lower class Greek and Japanese people.

This is not so any more. Nevertheless, there are persons who still eat acorns as a part of their diet. It is worthy of note that horses and cattle can be adversely affected if they consume too many acorns.

Answer: almond, pistachio, walnut

The almond is mentioned many times in the Bible. The walnut is mentioned in Songs of Solomon 6:11 and the pistachio is mentioned in Genesis 43:11.