Peanuts are grown in the warm climates of Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. India and China together account for more than half of the world’s production. The United States has about 3% of the world acreage of peanuts, but grows nearly 10% of the world’s crop because of higher yields per acre.
Where are peanuts found naturally?
The peanut, while grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, is native to the Western Hemisphere. It probably originated in South America and spread throughout the New World as Spanish explorers discovered the peanut’s versatility.
Do peanuts grow naturally?
Many people are surprised to learn that peanuts do not grow on trees like pecans or walnuts. Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts. First, seeds are planted. USA peanuts are planted after the last frost in April through May, when soil temperatures reach 65°—70°F.
Do peanuts really grow underground?
Botanically, peanuts are classified as legumes; however, for culinary, research and nutritional purposes, peanuts are considered a nut. Peanuts grow underground, as opposed to nuts like walnuts, almonds, etc. that grow on trees.
Can peanuts grow anywhere?
Though most people think of them as a southern crop, they can be grown anywhere with 120 frost-free days. This is the same length of time it takes a melon or long-season corn to mature. So, even the Wasatch Front qualifies as a peanut-growing area.
Can you find peanuts in the wild?
A wild peanut (A. monticola) still grows in northwest Argentina. In the dry climate of Peru, archeological remains of peanut pods date from about 7,600 years ago. Indigenous South and Central American people cultivated peanuts in warm tropical regions and depicted peanuts in their art.
What is the peanut Capital of the world?
Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, “Peanut Capital of the World.” The peanuts located all over town depict various forms of peanuts | Library of Congress.
Why is a peanut not a nut?
Even though peanut has the word “nut” in the name, it’s not really a nut at all. It’s actually a legume. Peanuts are legumes, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods, and are in the same family as beans, lentils, and peas.
Which U.S. state is the largest producer of peanuts?
Georgia
Peanuts are members of the pea family. Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the U.S. Alabama is ranked second. The first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia.
Are ground nuts the same as peanuts?
Peanut is a the plant of the pea family that typically comprise of seeds of peanuts, which develop in pods that ripen the underground. Groundnut is a North American leguminous vine (Apios americana) plant of the pea family, which yields a sweet edible tuber or a different term for peanut.
Is a peanut a nut or a bean?
Did You Know? You may have already heard that peanuts are not nuts. They are actually legumes and are members of the pea family.
Is peanut a fruit or vegetable?
Botanically, most nuts are the seeds of a fruit, while true nuts — such as chestnuts, acorns, and hazelnuts — are fruits in and of themselves. Peanuts are the exception, as they’re legumes — and thus technically vegetables.
Why is a peanut called a peanut?
From Old English pise (West Saxon), piose (Mercian) “pea,” from Late Latin pisa, variant of Latin pisum “pea,” probably a loan-word from Greek pison “the pea,” a word of unknown origin (Klein suggests it is from Thracian or Phrygian). In Southern U.S. and the Caribbean, used of other legumes as well.
Can you eat raw peanuts?
Peanuts can be eaten raw, blanched, roasted, boiled, fried, powdered, or made into peanut butter. Eating them with their thin, papery skin is most nutritionally beneficial, as the skin contains the many antioxidants and phytochemicals.
How did peanuts end underground?
After fertilization, the peg (stalk) of the peanut curves downward and the developing fruit (legume) is forced into the ground. The peanut pod subsequently develops underground. As in other members of the enormous legume family (Fabaceae), the roots bear nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Are peanuts healthy for you?
If you eat peanuts every day you get protein, vitamins, minerals and more! Peanuts have more protein than any nut (7g per serving), containing more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fiber and good fats.
Can humans eat peanuts meant for birds?
This compound can cause damage to humans, but can be fatal in birds, severely damaging their livers and immune systems. Several years ago many bird food sellers stopped selling peanuts as it was discovered these nasty toxins had entered the supply stream.
Why are peanuts called monkey nuts?
The term ‘monkey nuts’ describes peanuts with the shell or pod intact. Packets affected are marked with the best before date 12 July 2013.
Can dogs eat peanuts?
The good news: peanuts are not considered toxic to dogs. However, it’s important to understand that while peanuts are safe to use in dog cookies and other treats, they are high in fat. Dogs have a more difficult time digesting fat. A high concentration of fat can cause an upset stomach, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Where do the best peanuts come from?
Virginia. Considered the “gourmet” peanut variety, Virginia peanuts have large kernels, and are the variety you get in the shell at ballpark stadiums. Because of their large size and premium characteristics, this variety is best suited for snacking instead of in peanut butter.
What country exports the most peanuts?
Top Peanuts Exports by Country
- Argentina: US$860.4 million (21.9% of total exported peanuts)
- India: $749.3 million (19.1%)
- United States: $573.4 million (14.6%)
- Brazil: $318.9 million (8.1%)
- Sudan: $304.6 million (7.7%)
- Netherlands: $234.6 million (6%)
- China: $204.9 million (5.2%)
- Senegal: $197.6 million (5%)
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.