PEANUTS
Peanuts
ROASTED COCONUT SLICES
The name “peanut” originates from the Greek Arachos , meaning legume. Peanuts are the kernels of a leguminous plant, and after pollination, their flowers push underground to a depth of 2-7 centimetres, forming the familiar pods. The most widely cultivated species is Arachis hypogaea, with stems reaching 20- 60 centimetres in length. The plant can produce more than 100 Flowers and mature 20-60 legumes.Its growth cycle is remarkably short; from sowing to the emergence of the first peanut seedlings takes just two weeks. Within a month, the first flowers appear, and within another 10 days, they begin to bury themselves underground. Soon after, pods and kernels develop, reaching peak seed maturity four months later. Peanuts need temperatures above 13°C to germinate and thrive between 18°C and 30°C for maturation.
They require significant water, ideally between 500 and 1000 millimetres of rainfall. Optimal peanut-growing soil is well- drained sandy or sandy loam mixed with clay. Peanuts enhance soil quality, especially in nitrogen nutrition, by fixing nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, a trait shared with other legumes. Nitrogen is vital for all life forms as it plays a crucial role in forming the primary structure of proteins in its ionic state. While all plants absorb nitrogen as needed, leguminous plants excel in this process, making them notably rich in this element. This is why legumes are considered valuable in any diet.
September 2024
The main peanut-producing countries [Faostat, 2022] are ranked as follows: China, India, Nigeria.
Today in the USA, peanuts and peanut butter account for 10% of the recommended daily protein intake. In Italy, they are mainly enjoyed as snacks during the aperitif. Historically, peanuts were used as substitutes for coffee and cocoa, but nowadays, their primary use is as cooking oil, often as an alternative to olive oil.
Increased use in cooking has led to rising cases of allergies and intolerances to peanuts, following those to milk and eggs.
Try peanuts for a tasty appetiser!
Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the type of peanut, but all are excellent from a nutritional standpoint.
VNR, which stands for Nutrient Reference Values, represents the daily amount recommended by the Ministry of Health for each nutrient. It is important to note that 100% NRV is not the maximum intake, but rather the minimum recommended amount to stay healthy.
The Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU) recommends consuming 30 g of nuts daily.
A varied and balanced diet, combined with an active lifestyle, forms the foundation of your wellbeing. The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only. If you have a medical condition you should always consult your doctor.
Nutrition declaration | average values per 100 g of edible product: |
Energy | 2580 kJ / 623 kcal |
Fat | 52 g |
of which saturates | 9,6 g |
Carbohydrate | 10 g |
of which sugars | 4,8 g |
Fibre | 9,7 g |
Protein | 24 g |
Salt | 0,05 g |
Vitamina E | 21 mg – 175% NRV* |
*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value.
Organic peanuts should be storedin a cool , dry place, away from sources of heat and moisture. They can be stored at room temperature during the winter when temperatures are cooler, but it is advisable to store them in a refrigerated environment during the summer, as higher temperatures accelerate product deterioration.
Glass has proven to be the best material for storing peanuts (and nuts in general) because it is resistant to chemicals and gases, and it provides excellent insulation.
Coloured glass is preferred as it blocks certain light wavelengths , including ultraviolet light, helping to preserve the product’s nutritional and flavour qualities. Proper closure of the container is also important: an airtight seal prevents excessive oxygen exposure, which can cause the peanuts to become rancid due to lipid oxidation.
