nuez

Nuez is the Spanish word for a nut, most commonly the walnut, referring to both the edible kernel inside a hard shell and the tree that bears it. In everyday usage, nuez denotes the nut itself, while nueces is the plural form. The term appears in culinary contexts on product labels and recipes, such as aceite de nuez (walnut oil) and harina de nuez (walnut flour).

Etymology and usage: Nuez is of Romance-language origin, descended from Latin nux through the development of early Spanish. The word is closely related to terms for other nuts in the family, though forms differ across languages and dialects. In many Spanish-speaking regions, nuez also functions as a surname or as part of place names.

Culinary and nutritional context: Walnuts are used in a variety of dishes, including baked goods, salads, desserts, and sauces. They can be consumed whole, chopped, or ground, and walnut oil is used for dressings and finishing touches. Nutritionally, nuts are energy-dense and provide fats, protein, fiber, and micronutrients, contributing to dietary variety when eaten in moderation.

Other uses: Beyond food, nuez appears in proper names and cultural contexts in Spanish-speaking areas. While the primary association is with the walnut, the word can appear in branding, local nomenclature, or genealogical references.

See also: Núñez (a related surname with a different spelling) and walnut as a broader term in English.