alhéjak

Alhéjak is a Hungarian term used to refer to the outer coverings of seeds and fruits, such as husks, shells, or peels, that lie outside the edible portions. In everyday language and in botanical or agricultural contexts, alhéjak denotes these protective layers that are typically removed during processing or preparation.

In Hungarian, héj means peel or husk, and alhéjak is the plural form used to describe multiple outer coverings across different plant species. The concept is practical in fields like horticulture, farming, and food production, where separating the edible portions from their outer coverings is a common step.

Applications and handling of alhéjak vary by context. In agriculture and food processing, removing alhéjak can improve texture, taste, or shelf life, while the byproducts are often repurposed as animal feed, compost, or for other industrial uses. In nutritional or environmental discussions, alhéjak are noted for their fiber content and potential contributions to waste streams or residue management.

The term is primarily encountered in Hungarian-language discussions of plant anatomy, crop processing, and related disciplines. It is distinct from more specific terms for particular coverings, such as kukoricahéj (corn husk) or citrus peels, which name individual outer layers rather than the general concept of outer coverings.

See also: héj, husk, shell, peels, seed coat.