Almonds are seeds, not nuts

By KAREN YOUSO, Star Tribune

Last update: January 4, 2009 - 12:35 PM

Q I have a can of almonds with a label that says "may contain tree nuts." What are tree nuts? Are they not almonds?

A Almonds actually are seeds of the almond tree, a tree that bears pink and white flowers. The almond tree is closely related to the peach tree; the almond is like the peach pit. Indeed, the fruit that contains the almond looks like a green peach. Almonds, however, are classified as "tree nuts" under U.S. law, along with the walnut, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nut and pistachio. The coconut seems like a nut, but it, too, is a seed.

So it gets confusing, but basically tree nuts are seeds in that they are part of the reproduction of the tree. But not all seeds are nuts.

Includes information from the Natural Food Guide Electric heat stains

Q I live in a cottage with electrical baseboard heating. Soot streaks form on the walls above it. Is there any way to prevent them from forming, or a way to clean the walls?

A Electric heat is clean in that there's no flame present to release byproducts of combustion. But it can move around dirt that's in the air. When operating, the radiators basically take in air at the bottom, heat it and then push it up and out to warm the room. As the air hits the wall above the radiator, it lets go of microscopic bits of dirt. The dirt isn't visible at first, but over time it accumulates, attracting more dirt and building up on the wall. This tends to be a problem in houses where the air contains a lot of microscopic soot, such as that produced by cooking, candle burning, fireplaces and some attached garages. Good filtering of the air can keep it cleaner and reduce the sooting problem.

Clean the stained area with a solution containing ammonia, or whatever is recommended for the finish on the wall.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.