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Peanut
Peanut

Peanut

The high-fat protein source
Systematics
Scientific name: Arachis hypogaea
German name: Erdnuss
Classification: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribute: Dalbergieae
Genus: Arachis
Season: Available all year round, whole peanuts in shell, especially in the autumn and winter months.
  • Water 5,2%
  • Carbohydrates 8,3%
  • Proteins 25,2%
  • Fats 48,1%
  • Crude fibre 11%

Does it really grow underground?

Yes, she does! The peanut herb grows above the earth, but the peanut itself grows below it. And in fact it is not a nut at all. The peanut is a legume. And it has always been popular because it fills the stomach, is nutritious and easy to cultivate. It prefers loose and permeable soil, but the quality of the soil does not play a major role. In addition, they only need four to six months to mature.

However, when eating peanuts, care should be taken to avoid allergic reactions.

Nutrition information

Quantity per 100 grams

Calories 567
Fat content 49 g
Saturated fatty acids 7 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids 16 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids 24 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 18 mg
Potassium 705 mg
Carbohydrates 16 g
Roughage 9 g
Sugar 4 g
Protein 26 g

Origin & Provenance

Health

Preparation

Things to know

Origin & Provenance

The peanut originated in South America. There the Incas put peanuts in the graves of their dead so that they would have something to eat in the afterlife. Their name for the peanut is "tlacacáhuatl" Nahuatl which means "cocoa bean of the earth". The oldest finds of peanut cultivation are in Peru, where it has been cultivated for 7,800 years. Other regions where peanuts are cultivated are Argentina, Brazil and other regions of the South American continent. The USA and North America are the main growing regions. It also reached Africa, India and China via the slave trade. Since peanuts need a subtropical climate to thrive, they cannot be used for agricultural purposes here.

In the beginning, the peanut herb grows above the ground until its flowers have withered after self-pollination. Then their flower stems become longer and bend downwards, before finally growing back into the soil. This is where our beloved peanut is formed, whose kernels are protected by a net-like, wood-like shell.

Peanut cabbage
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Health

Peanuts contain a lot of vegetable protein, relatively much iron and other minerals, as well as many proteins and fats. And these fats have it all: one hundred grams of pulses contain 570 calories, which is more than a whole bar of chocolate. But those who hold back and can do without salting can enjoy the healthy peanut without hesitation. Vegetarians in particular can enjoy this valuable source of protein. People who need a diet low in salt can also benefit from peanuts, as they are low in sodium and ideal for high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. The contained amino acids promote a good sleep and the linoleic acid can protect against arteriosclerosis, help losing weight and make the skin smoother.

Preparation

Peanuts are best known roasted, salted, as peanut butter or peanut flips. She also uses a few other sweets as ingredients. If they end up in the supermarket with their shells on, they are still usually roasted, as otherwise they are more susceptible to mould, cause flatulence and taste like beans. In the producing countries, peanuts are even eaten cooked.

In China and India, peanuts are cultivated mainly for their oil. Because it is used there as a herbal remedy. Furthermore, its peanut oil makes it a popular feed additive in agricultural animal fattening.

Salted peanuts

Things to know

Peanuts are popular in many parts of the world and in the USA, for example, they are traditionally eaten on sandwiches in the form of peanut butter. But be careful: up to one percent of German children suffer from peanut allergies. A small amount is enough to cause an allergic reaction immediately or a few hours after consumption. Signs of this are headaches, swelling, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, asthma attacks, itching or nausea and vomiting. Anaphylactic shock can even occur and be fatal. So if you have no experience with peanuts yet, you should be cautious about using them. There is no cure yet, but according to an Australian study it may soon be possible.

The peanut herb has a unique root system, which allows it to find enough nutrients in the leastiest soils, which explains why peanuts have spread around the world.

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