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Peanuts are an integral part of many cultures across the globe and, as such, come in several types and specifications. The various types include:
Raw, unsalted peanuts
This is the most essential form of peanuts, which have not been subjected to any form of processing apart from the removal of the shell. They are typically firm and crunchy; these are the characteristics most people look for in a peanut when they plan to roast it or use it in recipes.
Roasted peanuts
Roasted peanuts are available in different specifications in terms of roasting: they can be dry roasted with no oil, which has a very intense and firm flavor, or oil roasted, which some would say is softer with a more delicate and oily texture. Both types are generally crunchy and very much suitable for use as a snack, in trail mixes, or as an ingredient in different recipes.
Salted peanuts
Salted peanuts are likely to be a popular choice for many consumers as they pack a lot of flavor. These peanuts are either raw or roasted and then coated with salt to boost their taste. Salted peanuts are mainly used as a snack or in some cases as a topping for some food items.
Candied peanuts
Packed with sweet sugar coatings, candied peanuts take the form of a very sweet, crunchy treat that is loved by many. They are sometimes even covered in chocolate or other sweet coatings like caramel or toffee, which makes them a very sweet type of snack to have.
Peanut butter
The most common specification for peanut butter is smooth or crunchy, which is derived from ground roasted peanuts. Crunchy peanut butter will have small bits of peanuts inside it for a textural contrast, while smooth peanut butter is creamy in consistency. It is a very popular condiment used on the daily for spreading on bread, adding to smoothies, or cooking and baking.
Organic peanuts
Organic peanuts are grown without synthetic pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms. They are available in a variety of forms, such as raw, roasted, salted, or in peanut butter. The organic specification appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking environmentally sustainable products.
Peanut specifications influence key product features, including taste, texture, and culinary use. Here is how they do so:
Flavor
The flavor of peanuts varies widely based on their specifications, particularly whether they are raw or roasted. Roasted peanuts have a deeper, more intense flavor due to the Maillard reaction that occurs during roasting. Salted peanuts provide a burst of savory taste, while candied or chocolate-covered peanuts add sweetness. This diverse range of flavors makes peanuts suitable for both savory and sweet applications.
Texture
Raw peanuts are firm, while roasted ones become crunchy—either dry or oil-roasted. The process of roasting also intensifies the peanut's natural oils, contributing to a richer mouthfeel. Peanut butter, depending on whether it's smooth or chunky, offers a creamy or gritty texture that is distinct and desirable in many food preparations.
Size and shape
Peanuts generally have a similar size and shape, but different varieties may slightly differ in size. However, their basic shape has been maintained. The most commonly used peanut bean is the Runner variety, which has an oval shape, whilst the Spanish variety tends to be a bit smaller and is rounder. Valencias are larger beans and are of the lobed variety, while Virginia peanuts are the largest and often used for producing peanut snacks.
Nutritional content
All types of peanuts and peanut products are very high in protein and healthy fats. Peanuts also have a high content of fatty acids, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Hence, eating peanuts contributes significantly to heart health. They also contain important vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
Compatibility with other ingredients
Peanuts have a very versatile nature. Therefore, they can easily merge with a wide range of other ingredients. For instance, peanut butter mixed with banana creates a classic snack. Sweetened peanuts pair excellently with chocolate in baking goods and desserts. Also, peanut oil is commonly used in stir-fries and fried rice dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine.
The various peanut specifications are used differently across many applications. Here is how:
Culinary applications
Peanut specifications are used widely in food preparation methods: raw peanuts make the best variety of nuts for roasting, making peanut butter, or cooking them in different cuisines. Roasted salted peanuts are used primarily in snacks, either on their own, as part of a nut mixture, or as toppings for desserts and baked items. Candied, caramel, or chocolate-covered peanuts are often found in sweet treats and desserts, adding texture and flavor to peanut butter, candies, and confections.
Oil extraction
A portion of the peanuts is also used to extract peanut oil, a popular cooking and frying oil because of the good balance of flavor and health benefits. The quality of peanut oil is dependent on the type of peanuts used—oil from cold-pressed organic peanuts is preferred for health-conscious consumers—while traditional frying peanuts are used in fast food and restaurant businesses.
Animal feed
Once the oil is extracted from peanuts, the remaining peanut meal with specs can be fed to animals. Peanut hulls and skins that have been removed during the milling process can also be a fiber-rich feed for livestock, thus maximally utilizing peanuts and minimizing wastage.
Nut milk production
Similar to almond milk, peanut milk is prepared using dried peanuts off the raw variety, the nuts are blended with water, strained, and flavored to make a creamy, nut-based milk. It is, however, less famous than almond or cashew milk.
Cosmetics and skincare
Peanut oil is found in many cosmetic products like moisturizers, lotions, and lip balms due to its emollient properties. It hydrates the skin and is packed with antioxidants, offering skin benefits that promote healthier looks.
Food industry specifications
Peanut butter has different varieties depending on the peanut butter specification usage, whether for organic, crunchy, smooth, or flavored peanut butter, there is a type of peanut butter for everyone. Furthermore, peanuts are having increasing popularity globally, thus leading to an even broader food industry choosing peanuts as key ingredient or component in their products.
Storage of peanuts depends on their specification and the level of storage desired, whether short-term or long-term. Here is how to properly store peanuts:
Cool, dry place for unshelled peanuts
Unshelled or raw peanuts can be kept in a cool, dry area, such as a pantry or a store, for a period of three to six months. This is short-term storage. The nuts may still be fresh and need no processing, but there should be no moisture in this location to avoid mold growth.
Refrigeration for unshelled peanuts
For longer storage, unshelled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator, where they will last up to eight months. The cool temperature helps to keep the nuts from going rancid.
Airtight containers for shelled peanuts
Shelled or raw peanuts should be kept in an airtight container to prevent them from being stale and absorbing moisture. They should be kept in a cool, dry place and will last three months. For longer storage, shelled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.
Freezing for shelled peanuts
Freezing is ideal for long-term storage of shelled peanuts. They should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, where they will last up to a year. Freezing helps preserve the peanuts' freshness and flavor.
Cooling roasted peanuts
Roasted peanuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. The absence of moisture and the presence of an airtight seal will help preserve the peanuts' crunch and flavor.
Peanut butter storage
Homemade peanut butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from going rancid; store-bought peanut butter may not need refrigeration but will stay fresher if refrigerated. Refrigerated peanut butter will last up to six months.
Vacuum-sealing
Vacuum-sealing peanuts is another great method for long-term storage, as it removes all air contact that would cause oxidation. Vacuum-sealed peanuts can last up to two years in the freezer.
Quality peanuts are a resultant of clear adherence to proper storage methods as well as being aware of the kinds of damages that may occur to the nuts. Here is a deep dive into this:
Quality indicators
High-quality peanuts are plump, firm, and free from discoloration or mold. In the case of raw peanuts, sandy or gritty moist peanuts often have fungal growth, and the old peanuts might have rancidity. For already roasted peanuts, peanuts that have been roasted will have a roasted nutty smell; if it is a raw Runner peanut seed, then take note of the difference between raw seeds and roasted seeds—all roasted seeds will be light in color and have a dry tendency. Look through shelled peanuts for signs of moisture or mold. Fresh peanuts provide fresh nuts in with a pleasant nutty aroma.
Damage considerations
Several forms of damage may occur in peanuts, thus reducing their quality. Here are those damages:
Pest infestations
Peanuts are susceptible to pests such as weevils, which can infest the seeds and cause damage to the quality and food safety. Signs of weevil infestation include small holes in the peanuts, and you will find the insects in the nuts or the shells.
Mold growth
Moisture during storage encourages mold growth, which is a serious economic threat to peanuts. A&M is a common mold found in peanuts, and it produces aflatoxin, a highly toxic substance peanuts with signs of mold on them ought to be discarded as they pose health risks to the consumer.
Quality damage from excessive heat
Excessive heat during storage damages peanut quality by causing the oils to go rancid. Rancid peanuts have an off smell and taste, which makes them unsuitable for eating or using in recipes. Moreover, high temperatures can also damage roasted peanuts, resulting in a bitter taste and a loss of nutritional value.
Nutritional damage
When peanuts go bad due to mold or rancidity, they also lose their nutritional value. Specifically, the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are diminished. Aflatoxin in moldy peanuts can cause health issues such as liver damage. Rancid peanuts may cause digestive problems because of the consumed toxins.
Storage hygiene practices to prevent damage and mold problems in peanuts
Cleaning and drying peanuts before storage prevents pest infestations and mold growth. Maintaining proper humidity levels below 50% and keeping stable, cool temperatures between 50°F and 70°F help preserve peanut quality. Regularly monitoring stored peanuts for signs of pests, mold, or rancidity allows for early intervention. Use airtight containers, facilitate good air circulation around storage areas, and consider using natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth to manage pests.
No, organic peanuts have a shelf life similar to conventional ones, which is about 3 to 6 months for raw peanuts and up to a year for roasted peanuts when stored properly. However, organic peanut butter may have a shorter shelf life than conventional because it contains no preservatives.
Raw peanuts retain slightly more nutrients, such as vitamin E and antioxidants, but roasted peanuts offer increased bioavailability of nutrients and a more intense flavor.
In hotter conditions, it is best to keep peanuts in the refrigerator or freezer, as cooler temperatures help prevent rancidity and preserve freshness.
No. Moldy peanuts should never be eaten. They can contain harmful mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, which pose serious health risks.
Consumers identify high-quality roasted peanuts by looking for an even, golden-brown color, a nutty aroma, and no signs of oil separation in the container.
Peanuts are therefore a very versatile and highly nutritious kind of legume that comes in different specifications and can be used in countless ways. In addition, proper storage techniques ensure the optimum quality of peanuts, and an understanding of various damages and quality considerations goes a long way in maximizing the benefits of this wholesome food.
