nuggets

Nugget is a term used to describe a small lump or piece of material that is often valuable or useful. In geology and mining, it refers to relatively large, naturally formed lumps of precious metal such as gold that have broken away from a source rock. In culinary contexts, 'nugget' typically describes bite-sized pieces of food that are formed rather than carved from a larger piece, most commonly chicken but also other proteins and vegetables.

Natural gold nuggets are formed through geological processes over time and are usually found in alluvial deposits in riverbeds. They vary widely in size, shape, and purity, and are valued for their intrinsic metal content as well as collectability. Nuggets are weighed and assayed to determine gold content, and prices fluctuate with market gold prices. They have played a historical role in prospecting and mining booms around the world.

Chicken nuggets are processed meat products made from finely ground chicken meat, sometimes with a binding agent, formed into small shapes, coated with breadcrumbs or batter, and cooked by frying or baking. They are sold as ready-to-eat items in fast-food restaurants and in grocery stores. Nutritional profiles vary, but they are typically high in protein per serving and can be high in calories, fat, and sodium depending on preparation and coating.

The word nugget is also used metaphorically to denote a small but valuable piece of information or insight, a 'nugget of wisdom.' The term has also been extended to other small, naturally occurring chunks, but gold and chicken remain the two most common associations in everyday language.