Description:
Peanuts grow in little pods under the ground. They grow in clusters and are dug up, the earth is shaken off and they are dried. Peanuts grow in several countries around the world, most widely in the USA. In India, they mainly grow in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
How to select:
Dark pink, brittle and dry in appearance. They have a pleasant aroma and are bland, floury and can be easily chewed. Each peanut pod contains from two to four seeds.
Use:
They can be bought whole, skinned, roasted or fried. In Western India, they are powdered, crushed or used whole with vegetables and pulses. They complement the flavours of sesame seeds and vegetables. Batter-fried peanuts make a good cocktail snack. Peanuts are also used for making sweets and sauces.
How to store:
store it in a cool dry place.
Health benefits:
Peanuts are a very good source of monounsaturated fats. In addition, peanuts are a good source of niacin, folate, copper and protein.
They are available fresh and dried.
Fresh Peanuts
They are moist and pink in colour. Fresh pods can be eaten by themselves, boiled in salted water and used in several recipes.
Dried Peanuts / Roasted Peanuts
Dark pink, brittle and dry in appearance. They have a pleasant aroma and are bland, floury and can be easily chewed. They can be bought whole, skinned, roasted or fried. In Western India, they are powdered, crushed or used whole with vegetables and pulses. They complement the flavours of sesame seeds and vegetables. Batter-fried peanuts make a good cocktail snack. Peanuts are also used for making sweets and sauces.
Groundnut Oil / Peanut Oil
Groundnut oil is the oil extracted from peanuts. It has a neutral flavour and is a very stable cooking medium. Due to its stability, it is used for deep frying, sautéing and also to make dressings. It plays an important role in the canning industry and in the manufacture of margarine.
Peanut Butter
In the United States, peanuts are used in the making of peanut butter, which is very nutritious and makes a delicious spread in sandwiches, on canapés etc.
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