Legume
Peanut
Peanut is a groundnut (legume, not a tree nut) that fruits underground and is eaten roasted, boiled, as butter, oil, flour, and sauce base. Virginia, Runner, Spanish, and Valencia market types differ in size, red-skin count, and candy versus butter use. Earthy, sweet, and rich, peanuts define West African stews, Southeast Asian satays, American peanut butter, and Chinese banquet dishes. Allergy labelling is critical in all food service.
Also known as: Huasheng, Mungfali, Groundnut
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History
Peanuts were domesticated in South America and spread through Andean and Amazonian foodways.
Columbian exchange carried peanuts to Africa, Asia, and later the American South.
Industrial peanut butter and oil production transformed peanuts into mass-market staples.
Global snack, confectionery, and sauce industries made peanuts a major food legume worldwide.