Tree nuts are a type of nut that grow on trees. They are different from peanuts, which grow underground and are considered legumes. The most common tree nuts include:
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Pecans
- Pine nuts (pignolias)
- Pistachio nuts
- Walnuts
Some people with a tree nut allergy may be allergic to more than one type of tree nut, while others may only be allergic to one type of tree nut. Individuals with tree nut allergies are often allergic to more than one type of tree nut, but it may be appropriate and safe to consume certain tree nuts while avoiding others. This decision must be made after careful discussion with an allergist and should be based on multiple factors, including the age of the individual, results of allergy testing, risk of potential cross-reactivity between the nuts, quality of life implications, and family preferences. Individuals with tree nut allergies can typically consume seeds without difficulty, such as sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin, as well as macadamia nut and pine nut, which are also both seeds.
