Peanuts (plain, unsalted)

Description: The peanut comes from South America where it was domesticated and cultivated over 6,000 years ago. Ironically, it is not actually a “nut” but a legume. Peanuts are categorised as dry shell fruit.

They are rich in nutrients. Peanuts are 25 % protein; they also contain high amounts of fats and carbohydrates. They are also known to contain vitamin B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5, B6 and B9, antioxidants and even coenzyme Q10. They also contain copious amounts of resveratrol. One handful of peanuts contains 70 micrograms of this substance.

Due to their “good fat” content, they reduce blood sugar and blood cholesterol, they boost memory and resistance, and they even have positive effects on weight loss.

However, they are also a strong allergen. This is due to certain proteins of an unusual composition that allow for the formation of bonds with antibodies which may cause serious anaphylactic shocks in allergic individuals. Approximately 0.5 % of the population suffer from certain allergies; most of the reactions are mild.

Use: You can make your own home-made peanut butter; they are good in porridges, salads or cereal mixes, muesli; they are commonly used in the Asian cuisine, e.g. in the famous Asian stir fried dishes. Coconut sauce with peanuts or chicken with peanuts are excellent choices. They are just as great in desserts, or in peanut cookies.

Contents: unsalted roasted peanuts

Country of origin: Argentina