Mixed Nuts! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cashew

This is a photo of the edible cashew apple. Sticking out of the bottom of the fruit is the cashew nut which is encased inside a leathery double-shell. Between the two shells is a membrane with produces a strong oil which protects the nut from insects.

After picking the nut is roasted and the shell is then removed. The scientific name for the cashew is 'anacardium occidentale' which is a reference to the shape of the cashew apple which is thought to resemble an inverted heart.

Answer: False

The Brazil nut is indigenous the Amazon jungle area of Brazil and derives its name from the location in which it grows. The Brazil nut tree can grow as tall as 150 ft. (45m.). The pods of this tree contain multiple seeds and when ripe fall to the ground, sometimes with fatal results. Picking Brazil nuts is considered a very dangerous profession but does provide the worker with an elevated status.

The Brazil nut is extremely high in oil and is usually used in mixed nut snacks and in candy making.

Answer: Hazelnut

Popular for centuries the filbert, also known as the hazelnut, are grown in the United States, Turkey, Spain and Iran. They have been thought to have medicinal properties for thousands of years. Ancient medicinal writings have recommended that chronic coughing can be cured by eating pounded filberts with honey. Cooked filberts soaked in black pepper were said to cure the common cold. Cooking filberts in suet and then smearing this mixture on your head was said to prevent hair loss and to cause lost hair to grow back.

Answer: Mediterranean countries

Almonds, which are native to the Mediterranean countries, have been eaten for thousands of years. They were introduced into North America by the Spanish around 1769. The state of California is the largest almond growing region in the world. Most scholars agree that almonds and dates were among the earliest cultivated crops. Almonds are also one of the most nutrient-dense members of the nut family. One ounce of almonds contains only 160 calories, while containing no cholesterol.

They are also a wonderful source of magnesium, potassium, protein, and vitamin E.

Answer: Having a very high fat content.

The buttery macadamia, indigenous to Australia, was not discovered by European settlers until the mid 19th century. The macadamia is considered by many nut enthusiasts to be one of the highest quality as well as one of the rarest nuts in the world. It is also one of the most fatty with an oil content as high as 80%.

Answer: To split open

The pistachio is known for its tendency towards dehiscence, or splitting of the shell down the middle. The pistachio is unusual in that it likes hilly or mountainous regions with poor or rocky soil. Pistachio trees produce nuts for over 300 years and are considered by many cultures to be a symbol of happiness and plenty.

The nuts crack spontaneously when they are ripe. The Queen of Sheba was known for going to long lengths in order to keep up her supply of pistachio nuts.

Answer: Walnut

The yummy walnut has it origins in ancient Persia where it was so revered that it was known as "the nut of Jupiter". The walnut tree is very hard and slow growing. It takes 15 years for it to achieve full growth potential. After reaching this stage, it will continue to produce nuts for another 45 years. Walnuts are high in unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, and iron. Walnuts should be kept in cold storage as they have a tendency to absorb strong odors. Walnuts are popularly used in ice cream, candy, and bakery items.

Answer: False

The delicious pecan is a popular nut often used in sweet treats. Pecans come in a variety of sizes from extra-large to midget. The succulent pecan pie was a creation of French settlers who made their homes in various areas of what would become Louisiana. Pecans are known for producing good crops on alternating years.

The word 'pecan' comes from the Algonquin language and refers to any nut that required a rock to open it.

Answer: Peanut

The peanut is possibly the most popular nut on the planet. Originating in South America, the peanut is now eaten all over the world. In the early 1960s, NASA astronauts began eating peanuts for good luck while in space. It spread to the control room and at every launch large amounts of nuts are consumed by everyone involved. Unlike many of the other nuts found in a regular jar of 'mixed nuts' the peanut does not grow on a tree, but rather grows underground.

Answer: Indian nut

The treat commonly known as a pine nut is alternately known as a pignolias, pinon, and as an Indian nut. Pine nuts are found inside the pine cones of a variety of pine trees. The pine cone must be heated in order to extricate the pine nut. The difficult process of harvesting pine nuts is the primary reason that they are one of the most expensive nuts. Pine nuts are one of the primary ingredients in the making of pesto sauce.