I was flipping through a cookbook the other day, looking for inspiration, when I noticed how often certain letters kept popping up in recipes. M for mint, mango, milk… but when I hit the chapter on nuts, I stopped. How many nuts do I actually know that start with M? Apart from the usual macadamia, my list was embarrassingly short. That little moment sent me down a rabbit hole—and it turns out there are more “M” nuts than you might expect. Here are some of the most common nuts that begin with M:
1. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are creamy, buttery treats native to Australia but now grown in many warm climates. They are prized for their rich flavor and high oil content, making them popular in baking, chocolates, and nut mixes. Though small, they pack a punch of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals that support heart health. Their crunchy yet smooth texture makes them one of the most luxurious nuts you can snack on.
2. Madagascar Almond
The Madagascar almond, part of the Terminalia genus, is a tropical nut found in warm regions across the globe. While not as common in kitchens as other almonds, it is valued locally for both food and traditional uses. The nut provides nourishment, while other parts of the tree are used for dyes, wood, and medicine. Its versatility reflects how plants in the tropics often serve multiple roles beyond just food.
3. Mahua Nuts
Mahua nuts come from a tree deeply rooted in Indian culture, often called the “tree of life.” These nuts are used to produce Mahua butter, a natural fat treasured in traditional skincare and cooking. Local communities have long relied on the nut for nourishment and healing. Today, Mahua products are still valued for their natural, earthy richness, reminding us of the strong link between food, health, and tradition.
4. Malabar Chestnut
The Malabar chestnut, also known as the money tree, grows naturally in Central and South America’s wetlands. Its seeds can be roasted, boiled, or ground into flour, with a mild taste similar to peanuts. Aside from being eaten, the plant is often grown as an ornamental tree, thanks to its lush green leaves and braided trunk. The nut offers a practical food source while also carrying symbolic meaning as a houseplant.
5. Malva Nut
Malva nuts, mainly found in Southeast Asia, are quite unique because they swell many times their size when soaked in water. They’re often added to drinks, desserts, and traditional remedies. The nut is known for being gentle on digestion, thanks to its high fiber content, and is even used as a natural laxative. With anti-inflammatory compounds and essential nutrients, Malva nuts show how food can be both flavorful and healing.
6. Mamra Almond
Mamra almonds, also known as Mamra badam, are a premium almond variety native to regions of Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of India. Unlike regular almonds, they are smaller, crunchier, and more nutrient-dense, often considered a delicacy. Their distinct concave shape and rich flavor make them stand out in sweets, milk drinks, and festive dishes. Once enjoyed by royalty, Mamra almonds are still prized today for their quality and health benefits.
7. Marcona Almond
Marcona almonds are a gourmet Spanish variety often celebrated as the “Queen of Almonds.” Unlike the more familiar California almonds, they are rounder, softer, and naturally sweeter, with a delicate, buttery bite. Frequently served fried and lightly salted, they shine as a tapas favorite and pair beautifully with cheese, chocolate, or charcuterie. Their refined taste and texture make them a luxury treat in both savory dishes and elegant desserts.
8. Maya Nut
The Maya nut, also called breadnut or ramón, has been part of Central American diets for centuries. This versatile seed can be roasted for a coffee-like flavor, stewed to resemble potatoes, or ground into flour for bread and porridge. Packed with fiber, calcium, and antioxidants, it is both nutritious and filling. Once a survival food for ancient Mayan communities, it remains a resilient crop that continues to nourish people and wildlife alike.
9. Mission Almond
Mission almonds are smaller and plumper compared to the popular Nonpareil variety, with darker, wrinkled skins that cling tightly to the kernel. Their unique texture holds salt and seasoning well, making them especially tasty in roasted nut mixes. While not often blanched, Mission almonds bring a bold, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Varieties such as Butte, Fritz, and Padre fall under this group, each contributing to the rich diversity of almond cultivation.
10. Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts aren’t a single variety but a blend of different nut types, often including almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, and more. They are a convenient, nutrient-packed snack that balances flavors and textures, from sweet and creamy to earthy and crunchy. Popular at gatherings, parties, and in trail mixes, mixed nuts provide healthy fats, proteins, and minerals in every handful. Their versatility makes them both a pantry staple and a festive treat.
11. Mongongo Nuts
Mongongo nuts, harvested from the manketti tree in Africa’s Kalahari Desert, have long been a vital food for the San people. These hardy nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or steamed, and their oil is prized for both cooking and skin care. High in nutrients, including vitamin C and healthy fats, mongongo nuts are as practical as they are nourishing. Their resilience in arid environments makes them a true desert treasure.
12. Monkey Puzzle Nut
Monkey puzzle nuts come from the striking Araucaria araucana, a towering evergreen native to Chile and Argentina. The seeds are starchy, nutritious, and have been eaten by Indigenous people for centuries, often boiled or roasted. These trees are slow to mature but can live for over a thousand years, producing edible cones once established. Gathering monkey puzzle nuts feels almost like unearthing a secret, as they are rare outside their natural habitat.