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Peanuts

Peanuts, or groundnuts, earth nuts, goobers or goober peas, this nut is actually a type of legume. Two peanuts (enclosed in a papery, dark brown, slightly bitter skin) grow in a thin, waffle-veined hourglass-shaped pod buried in the ground. 

It is one of the better known nuts in the United States and is grown in the Southern States.  More than half the national crop is used to make peanut butter. 

The two most popular varieties of peanuts are Virginia and Spanish.  The Virginia is oval shaped and larger than the small, round Spanish peanut.  

Peanuts are sold in a variety of forms: with or without its shell, salted, unsalted, roasted, or dry roasted.  With its buttery flavor, they are wonderful as a snack or in cookies, muffins and quick breads, and other desserts.  

If buying fresh, look for unbroken shells that do not rattle when shaken.  The flavor of the peanut is enhanced when roasted and roasted peanuts come in jars or cans either salted or unsalted.  

As with most other nuts, peanuts have a high fat content and must be stored properly so they don't turn rancid.  Store in airtight containers or plastic bags in the refrigerator (3-6 months) or freezer (one year).

 

1 cup = 120 grams