Peanuts

General Information

The peanut is a legume, like a pea, not a nut and is one of the most important sources of protein worldwide.  The peanut plant originated in South America, most likely in Brazil and Peru. It was grown as far north as Mexico by the time the Spanish reached the Americas and introduced the peanut to the United States.  Today, more than half of the world's peanuts are grown in India and China.  Annual US peanut production averages 1.9 million tons and the US exports account for approximately ¼ of world exports.  Seven states account for approximately 98% of all peanuts grown in the US: Georgia- 38%, Texas- 23%, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Oklahoma.

Four Types of  U.S. peanuts:

• Runner: Accounts for 75% of total US production and are used for peanut butter, snack and confectionery products.
• Virginia: Account for approximately 20% of US production, have the largest kernels, and are mainly sold in the shell.
• Spanish: have smaller kernels, and are primarily used in confectionery products.
• Valencia

Grades:

• US No 1 Spanish
• US Spanish Splits
• US No 2 Spanish

Definitions:

• Whole: the peanut kernel is not split or broken
• Split: the separated half of a peanut kernel
• Broken: more than one-fourth of the peanut kernel is broken off.
• Foreign Material: pieces or loose particles of any substance other than peanut kernels or skins

Peanut Nutritional Information

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15, August 2002.  All nuts are whole Natural.