| Interesting Peanuts Facts: |
- Peanut is herbaceous plant that can grow to the height of 1 to 1.6
feet.
|
- Peanut produces small yellow flowers that grow above the ground. After
self-pollination, flowers lose petals and move under the ground where they
reach maturity and turn into the fruit (pods with seed).
|
- One plant produces around 40 pods. Each pod contains 1 to 4 seeds,
better known as peanuts. Even though peanuts are known as nuts, they actually
belong to the group of legumes.
|
- Due to unusual habit to form under the ground, peanuts are also known
as ground nuts, ground peas and earth nuts.
|
- Planting of peanuts takes place from April to May. 5 months later,
peanuts can be harvested.
|
- There are 4 basic types of peanuts: Runner, Virginia, Spanish and
Valencia. They differ in size, taste and in the content and amount of
vitamins, minerals and proteins.
|
- Peanuts contain more than 30 nutrients that are essential for the
human health. They are rich source of proteins, vitamins of the B group and
dietary fibers.
|
- Peanuts are one of the most popular snacks in the world. Besides that,
peanuts are used for preparation of numerous salty and sweet dishes. Peanuts
are especially appreciated in the Asian cuisine.
|
- More than ½ of globally produced peanuts is used for the production of
peanut butter. Peanut butter is very popular in the USA: 94% of homes in
America use peanut butter regularly. Peanut butter is also very important for
the confectionery industry. 4 out of 10 candy bars in the USA contain peanut
butter.
|
- It takes 540 peanuts for the production of 12 ounces of peanut butter.
|
- Peanuts played important role even in the life of ancient people.
Mummies in the tombs of Incas (ancient people of Peru) were buried with
peanuts.
|
- 2/3 of globally produced peanuts originate from China and India.
|
- Peanut oil is used for cooking. It is tasteless and contains healthy
fatty acids. Since peanut oil doesn't absorb flavours of the food, same oil
can be used couple of times.
|
- Skin of peanut is used in the paper industry. Shell of peanut is used
as food for animals.
|
- Peanut is an annual plant, which means that it finishes its life cycle
in one year.
|
