This vocabulary challenge is not exhaustive. In most countries, anything other than a peanut or almond is called a “nuez”.
It’s the general term for nuts and is used widely. Additionally, there are several countries that are more familiar with the fruit that the nut comes from rather than the actual nut! So, talking about cashews is actually fairly uncommon in some regions! You may know of more countries than the ones listed with each term below – please share if you do! The goal is that this will help increase your cultural awareness and choose the best term possible when communicating with someone from any of the countries listed. Buenas suerte!
- Peanut = Cacahuate (Mexico, Spain)
Mani (Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Panama)
Manillas (guatamala)
- Hazelnut = Avellana
- Walnut = Nuez
- Almond = Almendra
- Cashew = Anacardo (Mexico, Spain)
Castaña de cajú (Colombia/Argentina)
Marañón (Peru and Southern Mexico)
Nuez de India (Mexico)
- Pine nut = Piñón
- Chestnut = Castaña
- Macademia = Nuez de macademia
