Walnut vs. Apricot — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Walnuts are hard-shelled nuts known for their brain health benefits, while apricots are soft, sweet fruits celebrated for their vitamin content and skin benefits.
Difference Between Walnut and Apricot
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Walnuts, belonging to the tree nut family, are recognized for their distinctive brain-like shape and are often touted for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which supports brain health. On the other hand, apricots, small, golden-orange fruits, are prized for their rich beta-carotene and fiber content, contributing to good digestive health and vibrant skin.
While walnuts are a staple in various diets for their heart health benefits, due to their ability to lower bad cholesterol levels, apricots offer a wealth of antioxidants that protect against free radical damage, showcasing their prowess in promoting overall health and preventing aging.
In culinary uses, walnuts are versatile, used both in savory dishes and desserts, such as salads, baked goods, and pesto. Apricots, with their sweet and slightly tart flavor, are equally versatile, enjoyed fresh, dried, or as part of dishes ranging from jams and jellies to savory meat sauces and desserts.
The nutritional profile of walnuts is rich in fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for brain and heart health. Conversely, apricots are low in fat and high in vitamins A and C, making them a great choice for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy vision.
In terms of cultivation, walnuts grow on large trees and require a cold period to initiate flowering and nut development. Apricots, growing on smaller trees, thrive in temperate climates with plenty of sunlight, indicating a difference in their agricultural needs and growing environments.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Nut
Fruit
Nutritional Benefits
High in omega-3 fatty acids, supports brain health
Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, good for skin and digestion
Culinary Uses
Salads, baked goods, pesto
Fresh, dried, jams, jellies, savory dishes
Fat Content
High in polyunsaturated fats
Low fat, more vitamins A and C
Cultivation
Large trees, requires cold period
Smaller trees, thrives in temperate, sunny climates
Compare with Definitions
Walnut
A type of nut known for its brain-like shape and health benefits, particularly for the brain and heart.
She added walnuts to her morning oatmeal for an omega-3 boost.
Apricot
A small, golden-orange fruit known for its sweet flavor and health benefits, including skin health and digestion.
She enjoyed fresh apricots as a healthy snack in the afternoon.
Walnut
Requires a cold period for successful cultivation.
The walnut trees thrived after the cold winter, producing a bountiful harvest.
Apricot
Thrives in temperate climates with plenty of sunlight.
The apricot trees produced a vibrant harvest in the sunny orchard.
Walnut
Rich in polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Walnuts are often recommended for their antioxidant properties and healthy fats.
Apricot
High in vitamins A and C, promoting immune system health and good vision.
Apricots, rich in vitamins, are great for boosting the immune system.
Walnut
Supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol.
Including walnuts in the diet is a tasty way to keep the heart healthy.
Apricot
Can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in a variety of recipes.
Dried apricots are a convenient and healthy addition to trail mix.
Walnut
Used in a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet.
He made a walnut pesto that was rich and flavorful.
Apricot
Offers antioxidants that protect against free radical damage.
Apricots are valued for their antioxidant content, which helps fight aging.
Walnut
A walnut is the nut of any tree of the genus Juglans (family Juglandaceae), particularly the Persian or English walnut, Juglans regia. A walnut is the edible seed of a drupe, and thus not a true botanical nut.
Apricot
An apricot (US: (listen), UK: (listen)) is a fruit, or the tree that bears the fruit, of several species in the genus Prunus (stone fruits). Usually, an apricot is from the species P. armeniaca, but the fruits of the other species in Prunus sect.
Walnut
The large wrinkled edible seed of a deciduous tree, consisting of two halves contained within a hard shell which is enclosed in a green fruit.
Apricot
A deciduous tree (Prunus armeniaca) native to Asia, having alternate leaves and clusters of usually white flowers.
Walnut
The tall tree which produces walnuts, with compound leaves and valuable ornamental timber that is used chiefly in cabinetmaking and gun stocks.
Apricot
The edible orange-yellow fruit of this tree.
Walnut
Any of several deciduous trees of the genus Juglans, having pinnately compound leaves and fruits with a rounded sticky husk that encloses an edible seed with a hard shell.
Apricot
A moderate, light, or strong orange to strong orange-yellow.
Walnut
The nut or corrugated seed of any of these trees.
Apricot
A round sweet and juicy stone fruit, resembling peach or plum in taste, with a yellow-orange flesh, lightly fuzzy skin and a large seed inside.
Pickled apricots
Walnut
The hard, dark brown wood of any of these trees, used for gunstocks and in cabinetwork.
Apricot
The apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca
Walnut
A hardwood tree of the genus Juglans.
Apricot
(color) A pale yellow-orange colour, like that of an apricot fruit.
Walnut
A nut of the walnut tree.
Apricot
A dog with an orange-coloured coat.
Walnut
Wood of the walnut tree.
Apricot
The junction of the brain and brain stem on a target, used as an aiming point to ensure a one-shot kill.
Walnut
Dark brown colour, the colour of walnut wood.
Apricot
A testicle.
Walnut
Having a dark brown colour, the colour of walnut wood.
Apricot
Of a pale yellowish-orange colour, like that of an apricot.
Walnut
The fruit or nut of any tree of the genus Juglans; also, the tree, and its timber. The seven or eight known species are all natives of the north temperate zone.
Apricot
A fruit allied to the plum, of an orange color, oval shape, and delicious taste; also, the tree (Prunus Armeniaca of Linnæus) which bears this fruit. By cultivation it has been introduced throughout the temperate zone.
Walnut
Nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell
Apricot
Asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
Walnut
Hard dark-brown wood of any of various walnut trees; used especially for furniture and paneling
Apricot
Downy yellow to rosy-colored fruit resembling a small peach
Walnut
Any of various trees of the genus Juglans
Apricot
A shade of pink tinged with yellow
Common Curiosities
What is a walnut?
A walnut is a type of nut recognized for its distinctive shape and health benefits, particularly for brain and heart health.
Can walnuts be eaten raw?
Yes, walnuts can be enjoyed raw and are often added to various dishes for their health benefits and crunchy texture.
What makes walnuts good for the heart?
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
How can apricots benefit the skin?
Apricots contain antioxidants and vitamins that can help maintain skin health, protect against damage, and promote a vibrant complexion.
How are apricots used in cooking?
Apricots can be used fresh, dried, or in jams and jellies, and they add a sweet and slightly tart flavor to both savory dishes and desserts.
How do walnuts and apricots compare nutritionally?
Walnuts are high in healthy fats and beneficial for brain and heart health, while apricots are rich in vitamins and fiber, good for skin and digestion.
Can I grow walnuts and apricots in the same climate?
It depends on the specific climate; walnuts need a cold period, whereas apricots prefer temperate and sunny conditions.
Are apricots high in sugar?
Fresh apricots have a low sugar content, but dried apricots are higher in sugar due to the concentration process.
What are the health benefits of apricots?
Apricots offer health benefits such as improved digestion, vibrant skin, and a boost in immune system health due to their high vitamin and fiber content.
Do walnuts need to be refrigerated?
To extend their shelf life, walnuts can be refrigerated to prevent the oils from becoming rancid.
What's the best way to store walnuts for freshness?
Store walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and prevent rancidity.
What's the difference in cultivation between walnuts and apricots?
Walnuts require a cold period and grow on large trees, while apricots grow on smaller trees in temperate, sunny climates.
How long do dried apricots last?
Properly stored, dried apricots can last for several months up to a year.
Can walnuts and apricots be allergic?
Yes, some individuals may have allergies to walnuts, apricots, or both, often due to tree nut allergies or specific fruit sensitivities.
Are walnuts or apricots better for weight loss?
Both can be part of a healthy diet, but apricots, being lower in calories and fat, might be more suited for weight loss goals.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
