Peanut 101
(Peanuts grow on a climbing or bushy plant. The fertilized floral stems bend over towards the ground and penetrate it; the end of these stems swells, ripens, and produces the pod underground. The pods become brittle when they are dried and hold 2 or 3 edible seeds. There are about 10 species of peanut and a very large number of varieties.)
BUYING PEANUTS
Avoid: old, spotted, blackened, rancid or moldy peanuts, as they can be contaminated by a type of mold.
STORING PEANUTS
Raw peanuts deteriorate more quickly than roasted peanuts.
At Room Temperature: Place roasted peanuts in a cool and dry spot.
In the Fridge: Raw, in an airtight container (9 months in the shell or 3 months out of the shell).
In the Freezer: in the shell for 6 months, out of the shell for 3 months.
COOKING PEANUTS
Cook peanuts for about 30 minutes. Peanuts will lose their firm texture if the dish is reheated or if they are cooked for too long.
To keep peanuts crunchy, only add them if possible to the portion of food that will be eaten immediately.
SERVING IDEAS FOR PEANUTS
Peanuts are left whole, crushed, ground or made into a paste. They are available salted, unsalted, peeled or unpeeled, dry or honey roasted, coated in chocolate or oil. They are often eaten as appetizers or snacks. They can replace almonds or pistachios in pastries.
Peanuts accompany meat, fish, poultry, or flavor soups, sauces, salads, are simmered for desserts.
They are the basis of satay sauce, a spicy sauce and gado gado, a vegetable dish flavored with a sauce containing peanuts, coconut milk, pepper and garlic.
Peanuts yield excellent oil with a neutral flavor that is suitable for all purposes and can tolerate high temperatures and several fryings without deteriorating.
Did you know that raw and roasted peanuts were an excellent source of magnesium, niacin, and potassium? Peanuts are also high in protein and contain 282 calories per 1.8 oz. serving of raw and293 calories per 1.8 oz. of dry roasted.
(This information was taken from a culinary textbook, “The Visual Food Lover’s Guide”)
Inner Chef 