Green Hills Overseas
Nuts
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), also known as groundnuts, are a major crop grown for
their edible seeds and oil. They are native to South America but are now cultivated worldwide.
Here’s a detailed description and overview of different peanut varieties:
Description:
1. Plant Structure:
- Growth: Peanut plants are typically low-growing, bushy, and can reach heights of 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches). They have compound leaves with four leaflets and are often hairy.
- Flowers: The plant produces small, yellow or orange flowers that grow close to the ground. These flowers are self-pollinating.
- Pods: After pollination, the flower stalk elongates and bends downward, pushing the developing pods into the soil where they mature. The pods contain the seeds (peanuts) and are generally elongated and covered with a papery husk.
2. Seeds:
- Appearance: Peanuts are oval or round and come in various sizes and colors. They have a thin, papery shell that can be beige, light brown, or reddish-brown.
- Texture: The seeds are crunchy when roasted and softer when raw or boiled.
Varieties of Peanuts:
1. Runner Peanuts:
- Description: Runner peanuts are characterized by their uniform size and shape. They spread out and produce multiple pods.
- Uses: Commonly used for peanut butter and snack peanuts. They are well-suited for commercial production due to their consistent size.
- Characteristics: Known for their good flavor and consistency, which is ideal for processing into peanut butter and other products.
2. Virginia Peanuts:
- Description: Virginia peanuts are larger and have an elongated shape compared to other varieties.
- Uses: Often used as snack peanuts, roasted and salted. They are also popular in gourmet food products.
- Characteristics: Known for their large size and crunchy texture, making them ideal for use in snacks and specialty foods.
3. Spanish Peanuts:
- Description: Spanish peanuts are smaller with a reddish-brown skin and higher oil content.
- Uses: Commonly used in peanut candy, snacks, and for making peanut oil. They are also used in certain traditional dishes.
- Characteristics: Have a slightly nutty flavor and are often used in confectionery and as a roasted snack.
4. Valencia Peanuts:
- Description: Valencia peanuts are small and round with a higher sugar content compared to other varieties. They are often sold with the skin on.
- Uses: Frequently used for roasting and in peanut butter production. They are also used in some specialty products and traditional recipes.
- Characteristics: Known for their sweet flavor and are often used in products requiring a sweeter taste.
5. Nubian Peanuts:
- Description: Varieties often grown in specific regions, such as parts of Africa, with characteristics similar to Spanish peanuts but adapted to local conditions.
- Uses: Used in traditional and local recipes in the regions where they are grown.
- Characteristics: Generally similar to Spanish peanuts in flavor and size but adapted to local climates.
6. Kordia Peanuts:
- Description: Known for its adaptability and high yield potential.
- Uses: Used in various culinary applications, including roasted snacks and processed peanut products.
- Characteristics: Known for its robustness and high productivity across different growing conditions.
7. Tampico Peanuts:
- Description: A variety grown primarily in the U.S. with good adaptability to different soil types and conditions.
- Uses: Used in processing and as a snack food.
- Characteristics: Noted for its consistent quality and moderate oil content.
