Is coconut a nut?

[megapixels]

For the purpose of nut allergies that is. Dd's class was asked to write a traditional English recipe, or something from their own culture, each and bring it into school. They are having International Week or something and the teacher has asked dd if we could make her recipe and bring it into class to share. The school has banned all nut products and there is a child with a nut allergy in dd's class, but the main ingredient in her recipe is grated fresh coconut. Is this something the teacher might have accidentally overlooked or is coconut not regarded as a nut? [really confused icon]

It's a fruit isn't it?

There was a child who was at DS's nursery who had a nut allergy and was allergic to coconut, but not really sure if the two things are related!
(also really confused - bit dim emotion)

I do know a tomato is a fruit, is that atall helpful?

A cashew nut is a seed

From wikipedia

'The term coconut refers to the seed of the coconut palm, which is not actually a nut.'

Alot of nuts aren't technically nuts, so I would maybe google "coconut and nut allergy" and see if it's a trigger.

I see, a seed. So it's ok to take coconut into a nut-free zone?

Coconut allergy is rare in the UK, but it can cause reactions (including anaphylaxis) in people who are sensitive.

A small number of people who are allergic to nuts also react to coconut. Some people who are allergic to latex may react to coconut too.

from food standards agency website

Let me check that.

It isn't technically a nut but that won't matter in the slightest if the child is allergic to coconut anyay! Which is possible. Peanuts aren't technically nuts either, nor are cashews but they obviously can still induce allergic reactions.

I would contact the child's mother if at all possible to see if coconuts are a problem.