GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT PEANUTS

Origin: Peanuts originate from South America, primarily in regions that are now part of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil.

Availability: Peanuts are available year-round in various forms, including raw, roasted, shelled, unshelled, and as peanut butter.

How to Select: Choose peanuts that are plump and uniform in size, with shells that are clean and free from cracks or holes. For shelled peanuts, select those that are fresh and not shriveled. Peanuts stored in a hermetically sealed container will last longer than those sold in bulk since their exposure to heat, air and humidity is reduced. If you must choose dry roasted peanuts, choose “dry roasted” as the commercial oil roasting usually adds saturated fat and damages the natural oils. The best “dry roasting” method is at home: Preheat oven to 160-170F (70-75C), place peanuts on a cookie sheet, roast for 15-20 minutes.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
• Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, refrigerate peanuts, where they can last up to 6 months.
• Freezing: Peanuts can be frozen for up to a year. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent moisture absorption and freezer burn.

Rancidity: Peanuts contain natural oils that can turn rancid over time. If peanuts have a bitter taste or an off smell, they may have gone bad.

Serving Size: A typical serving size of peanuts is about 28 grams, which is roughly a handful (about 28 peanuts).

Good to Know: Peanuts are not true nuts; they are legumes, which means they grow underground. They are technically the seeds of a leguminous plant.

Nutritional Peak: Fruits and nuts are often at their best nutritionally during their peak season. For peanuts, this is typically from late summer to early fall, although they are harvested year-round in some regions.