Peanuts

The humble peanut (Arachis hypogaea) alternatively known as earthnuts, ground nuts, goober peas, monkey nuts or pygmy nuts, is technically not a nut, but a legume that belongs to the family Fabaceae. First domesticated in South America, the peanut is now grown all over the world with India ranking second after China in the commercial production of peanuts.

Introduced in India by Spanish and Portuguese sailors, the peanut plant starts by flowering above ground, but then eventually bends, burrows underground and produces a pod containing two to three peanut kernels. The edible oval-shaped 'nut' comprises of two off-white lobes that are covered by a thin brownish-red skin.

Uses of peanuts

As a condiment: Peanuts are used in cuisines around the world in a variety of forms, including peanut butter, peanut oil, peanut flour, and peanut flakes. It is also enjoyed as snack and can be eaten either roasted or boiled with the shell. The hard, buttery and nutty flavor of the peanut makes it perfect as a salad topping, cooking sauce or gravy base.

For general health: Peanuts are an extremely good source of protein and contain high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B3, folate and manganese. They also help towards keeping the heart healthy, as they are rich in monosaturated fats, Vitamin E and the antioxidant resveratrol. Ongoing research has shown that regular intake of peanuts help in preventing gallstones, reducing obesity and protecting against Alzheimer's, stroke and colon cancer. However, peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions in some people and have been labeled as one of the eight food types responsible for causing food allergies.

Selection and storage of peanuts

Peanuts are available shelled in bags and in bulk containers. Fresh peanuts are heavy when held in the hand and should not have cracks, dark spots or insect damage.

Shelled peanuts should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer since exposure to heat, humidity or light will cause them to spoil and become rancid. They will keep fresh up to three months in the refrigerator and six months in the freezer.

Purchase superior quality peanuts at Ameen Exports

Ameen Exports, located in Cochin, Kerala, provide superior quality peanuts. We provide cleaned and shelled peanuts in bulk quantities to wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, food chains, restaurants and other large importers. We also provide customized processing and packing solutions whereby peanuts are packed and branded with the clients name in the required quantity.