Food

Food Information

Nuts

PEANUTS

Peanuts are native to North America. They were cultivated by the Indians prior to the arrival of the European explorers. The peanut is not a tree

nut, but rather a member of the legume family, which includes peas and beans. But unlike other legumes, the peanut is produced beneath the surface of the earth, which is why it is called a ground nut in some areas.

Today, peanuts are an important food staple to millions of people in the underdeveloped areas of Africa and Asia. In the United States it is an important cash crop south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Georgia is no longer the number one peach state but is still the number one peanut state.

Raw peanuts, when processed, yield a fine, clear vegetable oil. When roasted, peanuts are used as snacks, and, more important, they are ground into peanut butter. This supplies our small fry with half the ingredients of their favorite sandwich.

Peanuts are by far the least costly, most plentiful, nut. The shell is thin and can be easily cracked by finger pressure.

Peanuts in the shell are available year-round, but many people prefer to buy them packaged in tins and jars.

Legumes