Ingredients Guide

Peanuts, a beloved and versatile ingredient enjoyed worldwide, offer a rich history, diverse culinary applications, and significant nutritional value. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to master the art of using peanuts in your cooking. From roasting and grilling to incorporating them into sauces and desserts, peanuts offer a world of possibilities.

Peanuts: The Ultimate Guide

1. History of Peanuts:

Peanuts, despite their name, aren't actually nuts; they are legumes, related to beans and lentils. Their story begins in South America, specifically in the Andes mountains, where they've been cultivated for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that peanuts were consumed as early as 7,600 years ago in Peru. From South America, peanuts spread across the globe. They were introduced to Africa by European traders during the Age of Exploration, and then later to North America. In the United States, peanut farming gained significant importance in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in the South, becoming a crucial agricultural commodity. The widespread adoption of peanuts is due to their adaptability, nutritional value, and ease of cultivation.

2. Cooking Techniques:

Peanuts offer incredible versatility in the kitchen, lending themselves to a multitude of cooking techniques.

• How to cook peanuts (general overview): Peanuts can be enjoyed raw, roasted, boiled, or fried. Roasting is a popular method, enhancing their flavour and texture. Boiled peanuts are a southern US delicacy, known for their soft texture and savoury taste. Fried peanuts are also a classic snack, especially when seasoned.
• How to prepare peanuts for cooking: Before cooking, raw peanuts typically need to be shelled. You can buy peanuts shelled or unshelled. Remove any debris and inspect the peanuts for blemishes or damage. The skin can be removed, if desired, for some recipes, though the skin contains nutrients. You can remove the skin by rubbing the peanuts between your hands or blanching them briefly in hot water.
• How to grill peanuts: Grilling peanuts isn't a common practice, but is possible in certain applications. You can grill peanuts in their shells over indirect heat to give a smoky flavor. You can also use peanuts in sauces for grilled dishes or in a peanut brittle style sauce.
• How to bake peanuts: Baking peanuts is a simple way to roast them. Spread shelled peanuts on a baking sheet and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir occasionally for even roasting. They can be incorporated into cakes, cookies, and breads, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
• How to sauté peanuts: Sautéing peanuts is great for adding a quick crunch and flavour to dishes. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the peanuts and sauté for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are toasted to your liking. You can add spices, sauces, or other ingredients to the pan while sautéing to infuse the peanuts with flavour.

3. Ingredient Preparation:

Preparing peanuts for cooking is generally straightforward:

• How to cut peanuts: Cutting isn't generally required. Peanuts are usually used whole, chopped, or ground into a paste (peanut butter). Chopping can be done with a knife or in a food processor. You can also use a rolling pin to lightly crush them for a rougher chop.
• How to peel peanuts: Peanut skins can be removed for a smoother texture. You can remove the skin after roasting by rubbing the peanuts between your hands. You can also blanch the peanuts in boiling water for a minute or two, then the skins can be removed easily. Pre-roasted peanuts typically have their skins already removed.
• How to dice peanuts: Peanuts aren't usually diced. Chopping is the more common method for breaking down peanuts. You can dice or chop by hand or with a food processor.
• How to mince peanuts: Mincing peanuts is typically done using a food processor for a fine texture or with a sharp knife. Mincing finely is commonly done to integrate into sauces, dips, or fillings.

4. Storage:

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of peanuts.

• How to store peanuts (short-term and long-term): Store peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shelled peanuts can be stored this way for up to 1-2 months. For longer storage (up to 6-12 months), store peanuts in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Unopened jars or containers of peanut butter can be stored in the pantry. Once opened, peanut butter should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent oil separation.
• How long does peanuts typically last under different storage conditions?: Raw, shelled peanuts: up to 1-2 months in a cool, dry place; up to 6-12 months in the freezer. Roasted peanuts: up to 2 weeks at room temperature; up to 6 months in the freezer. Peanut butter: up to 2-3 months in the pantry (unopened); up to 3-6 months in the refrigerator (opened).

5. Substitutions:

• What are good substitutes for peanuts if it's unavailable or if someone has an allergy?: Alternatives for peanuts often depend on the recipe and the desired flavour and texture. For flavour: Cashews offer a similar nutty flavour. Almonds and walnuts are other good options. For texture: Seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be used, especially when texture is the most important factor. If an allergy is a concern, always thoroughly check ingredient lists and consider alternatives. Be aware that cross-contamination is possible in some production facilities.

6. Nutritional Information:

Peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse.

• Peanut nutrition facts (calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals): A 28-gram (1-ounce) serving of peanuts contains approximately:

  • Calories: 161
  • Protein: 7 grams
  • Fat: 14 grams (mostly healthy fats)
  • Carbohydrates: 6 grams
  • Fibre: 2.5 grams
  • Vitamin E: 12% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
  • Magnesium: 12% of the RDA
  • Phosphorus: 11% of the RDA
  • Folate: 9% of the RDA
  • Niacin (B3): 23% of the RDA

• What are the key health benefits (or allergies and sensitivities) of consuming peanuts?: Peanuts offer several health benefits: they are a good source of protein and healthy fats, supporting heart health. They contain antioxidants like resveratrol. The fibre in peanuts aids digestion. However, peanuts are a common allergen. Peanut allergies can be severe, even life-threatening, resulting in anaphylaxis for sensitive individuals. Always check labels carefully and inform yourself about the risk of cross-contamination. Consumption of peanuts may cause gastrointestinal issues for some individuals, depending on the way they have been processed.

7. Pairing:

Peanuts pair well with a wide variety of flavours and ingredients.

• What flavors and ingredients go well with peanuts in culinary applications?
  • Sweet pairings: Chocolate, caramel, honey, maple syrup, and fruit (especially apples and bananas).
  • Savoury pairings: Sesame, soy sauce, chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, coriander, lime juice, coconut milk, and curry spices. Peanuts are also fantastic in stir-fries, satay dishes, and salads. They enhance the flavour in many international cuisines.

8. Cleaning and Washing:

• How to wash peanuts properly to remove dirt and contaminants: Raw, unshelled peanuts may contain dirt and debris. Before use, rinse unshelled peanuts in a colander under cold running water. Ensure thorough rinsing. Shelled peanuts do not necessarily need washing if they are packaged. Inspect them before use and discard any that appear damaged.

9. Ripeness:

• How to tell if peanuts are ripe: If you are growing peanuts, you can test the ripeness by pulling up a plant and testing some of the pods. Ripe peanut pods have a firm outer shell that feels smooth, and the peanuts inside should be a deep colour and have a firm texture.
• When are peanuts in season? Peanuts are typically harvested in the late summer to early autumn (September-October in the Northern Hemisphere). However, they are available year-round in the market, as peanuts can be stored long term.

Facts You May Not Know

FAQs