Tucked away in markets and kitchens around the world are nuts that don’t always get the same spotlight as almonds or cashews, yet they bring their own unique history and story. Among these are a handful whose names begin with the letter T. Some are prized for their flavor, others valued for cultural or botanical reasons, and a few are best admired rather than eaten. Exploring them not only introduces new discoveries, but also expands the way we think about what counts as a nut in the first place.
1. Talisay Nut
Hidden inside the fibrous fruit of the Talisay tree lies the Talisay nut, also called Indian or sea almond. The kernel resembles the taste of an almond but is often considered milder. These trees thrive in coastal regions, where they are valued not only for their edible seeds but also for their shade and ornamental beauty. In some cultures, different parts of the tree are used in food, traditional medicine, and even natural dyes.
2. Tiger Nuts
Despite their name, tiger nuts are not true nuts but small tubers. Also called earth almonds, they have been enjoyed for centuries in Africa, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Their sweet, nutty flavor makes them popular in snacks, flours, and even drinks like the Spanish horchata de chufa. Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and minerals, tiger nuts are considered a superfood and have recently gained global popularity among health-conscious eaters.
3. Torrey Pine Nut
Torrey pine trees are rare, growing only in limited parts of California. Their cones produce large, edible seeds that are tougher than most other pine nuts but just as flavorful once cracked open. Historically, Indigenous peoples prized these nuts as a valuable food source. Today, they remain a unique find, offering a nutty richness similar to other piñon pines, though harvesting them is challenging due to their hard shells and limited supply.
4. Tropical Almond
The tropical almond is the seed of a large shade tree that grows along coasts in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. The fruit changes color from green to red as it ripens, holding within a single edible seed. Often called Indian almond or sea almond, it has a flavor akin to traditional almonds. Beyond food, these trees are admired for their beauty, providing shade and attracting wildlife like bats that help spread their seeds.
5. Tung Nut
The tung nut, native to China, is not safe to eat but is valued for the oil it yields. Tung oil has long been prized in paints, varnishes, and wood finishes for its ability to dry quickly and form a protective coating. While the seeds themselves are poisonous, carefully processed oil is non-toxic and highly useful in industry. The tree has also been used in folk medicine, though caution is essential due to its toxicity.
6. Turkish Hazelnut
The Turkish hazelnut, or Turkish filbert, produces small, round nuts that resemble common hazelnuts but with a much harder shell. While edible, they are rarely used commercially because of their size and toughness. However, the tree itself plays an important role in agriculture—it is often used as a rootstock for grafting commercial hazelnut varieties since it does not produce unwanted shoots. Occasionally, the nuts are gathered from wild or urban trees for local use.