Can you eat boiled peanut shells?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Can you eat boiled peanut shells?”. We will further elaborate on the taste and uses of boiled peanut shells along with the benefits and disadvantages of boiled peanut shells.
Can you eat boiled peanut shells?
Yes, you can eat boiled peanut shells, however, they are not commonly eaten. The few people who like boiled peanut shells love the crunchy texture and salty taste that arises when the crunch mixes with the peanut seed.
However, it is worth mentioning that boiled peanut shells are devoid of any nutrients, they won’t add any nutritional value to your diet.
According to a representative of the Peanut Institute, boiled peanut shells do no harm to the body as long as these are taken in moderation.
What are the health benefits of boiled peanut shells?
Following are some of the benefits which can be availed from boiled peanut shells.
- Natural antioxidants: Peanut shells are rich in natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that protect the body cells from damage. Peanut shells are high in polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids, which shows that they have antioxidant properties.
Due to this, peanut shells are added to drugs that are designed to ease coughs, decrease mucus, and lower high blood pressure.
- Fibers: A lot of fibers are present in the shells of peanuts. These fibers are very effective in losing weight as they keep you full for a long period.
- Good for skin health: Amino acids present in the shells of peanuts are very beneficial for the health of skin and hair.
What are the disadvantages of boiled peanut shells?
Following are some disadvantages of boiled peanut shells
- Difficult to digest: Peanuts shells are hard, and do not break down easily. They are not easy to digest. So, they can result in bloating and stomach discomfort.
- Presence of pesticides: Some farmers use harmful pesticides on peanuts to treat fungal diseases. The peanut shell may contain pesticide residue, which if consumed may provoke an allergic reaction.
On top of that, some of these pesticides, when consumed, can result in contracting harmful illnesses including cancer. Peanut farmers often believe that users will discard the peanut shells and eat the peanut seeds instead.
However, if grown organically, boiled peanut shells can be consumed as part of a healthy diet.
What steps are involved in the growth of peanuts to obtain peanut shells?
Following are some steps to grow peanuts. After peanuts complete their growth, we can obtain their shell.
- Planting of seeds: The first step in the growth of peanuts is the planting of seeds. In the USA, the best time for planting seeds is April to May. During this time, the temperature is favorable for their growth.
- Cracking of the soil: After almost ten days, peanut seedlings grow out of the soil. Peanuts carry their growth in an oval-leafed plant that is about eighteen inches tall. The flowers of the peanut plant protrude out of the ground while their fruit grows below the ground.
- The appearance of flowers: After forty days pass, from the lower portion of the plant, yellow flowers emerge. Just when the peanut ovary starts being formed the petals fall off. This happens when the flowers pollinate themselves.
- Pegging: Pegging is the distinguishing feature of peanuts. Peg is basically a budding ovary. When growth takes place, it grows down. The tip of the peg is the peanut embryo.
This embryo then turns horizontal to the soil and starts becoming mature. It takes about 4-5 months for plants to go from planting to harvesting.
- Drying peanuts: Peanuts are dried in the field. After drying peanuts, these vines are deposited back to the field after placing the peanuts into a hopper.
There are two options for utilizing peanut vines, one is to leave them in the field so they may get nourished and the second one is to utilize them as nutritious livestock feed.
What are the uses of peanut shells?
Following are some ways in which peanut shells can be used.
- Mulch: Peanut shells help in breaking down compost piles. From these degraded compost piles, garden mulch is generated which is nitrogen-rich.
- Kitty litter: Peanut shells can be mixed with baking soda and biodegradable soap.
- Safe shipping: To ship sensitive items, leftover peanut shells are utilized as literal packing peanuts.
- Salt alt: Discarded peanut shells can be used in the replacement of salt spread shells over icy side-walks and roads
- Charcoal: Compressed shells can be used in the place of standard briquettes.
Other FAQs about Peanuts that you may be interested in.
What is the difference between peanuts and cashews?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat boiled peanut shells?”. We have further elaborated on the taste and uses of boiled peanut shells. We will further elaborate on the benefits and disadvantages of boiled peanut shells.
