What They Probably Aren’t
Based on the photo, they are unlikely to be:
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
- Coffee beans
- Black peppercorns
- Nutmeg
- Common snack nuts
The round shape and splitting shells point more toward a dried seed or legume.
Can They Be Identified from the Photo Alone?
Not with complete certainty. Several different ingredients can look very similar when dried. The best way to identify them would be to:
- Split one open.
- Photograph the inside.
- Take a close-up image next to a coin for scale.
- Find out the cultural background or country of origin of the coworker’s family.
Those details would make identification much easier.
Final Thoughts
The mystery items in the photo appear to be some kind of dried seed, bean, or legume traditionally used in cooking, rather than a snack food or common nut. They may be a cherished ingredient from a family recipe or regional cuisine. Until their identity is confirmed, it’s best not to eat them, but they’re definitely intriguing enough to investigate further rather than throw away.
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