Can you eat peanuts raw?
In this brief guide we will answer the question, ‘Can you eat peanuts raw?’. We will also discuss the health benefits of eating peanuts raw and the nutritional values of peanuts. We will also calculate the risks of eating peanuts.
Can you eat peanuts raw?
Yes, you can eat peanuts raw. Eating them with their thin paper-like skin is most beneficial as it contains the most nutrition and phytochemicals. Peanuts or groundnuts can also be eaten roasted, blanched, boiled, fried, powdered, and cooked. It can also be made into the very famous Peanut Butter.
Where do peanuts come from?
Peanuts come from the plant Arachis hypogaea from the Legume family. Peanuts grow below the ground as the fruit of the Arachis plant. They are different from other nuts like cashew or walnut but contain the same amount of nutrition. Parts of the peanut include the outer shell (thick brown), seed coat (thin paper-like reddish in color), the two cotyledons (edible part), radicle and plumule (embryonic root and shoot).
How do you obtain raw peanuts?
Raw peanuts are obtained from the peanut plant. Once they are harvested the pods are dehydrated and made available to consumers for various reasons. Green peanuts are raw peanuts that are not dehydrated.
What is the nutritional value of peanuts?
Peanuts are a rich source of protein, essential nutrients, vitamins B, vitamin E, and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Peanuts are a low glycemic food that does not cause an increase in sugar levels in the body.
What are the health benefits of peanuts?
Peanuts have several health benefits, some of which are mentioned below:
Help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels in the body
Peanuts contain unsaturated fats which are good for reducing cholesterol in the body.
Promote weight loss
Peanuts are rich in protein and have a low-calorie count. Eating peanuts makes you feel full and consume less carbohydrates.
Help relieve inflammation
Peanuts contain fiber which reduces inflammation in the body and improves digestive health.
Lower diabetes risk
Peanuts are low glycemic foods that do not increase blood sugar levels in the body. It is shown to reduce diabetes in women.
What are the risks of eating peanuts?
People with a mild peanut allergy exhibit symptoms like nausea and vomiting. A severe allergy to peanuts can cause anaphylaxis which is life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis cause nausea, vomiting, seizure, chest pain, and swelling of the tongue.
If peanut plants are infected with mold(fungus), they may produce carcinogenic substances called Aflatoxins which are harmful when ingested into the body. This is usually seen in low-quality peanuts grown in poor growing conditions.
Where can you use raw peanuts?
Raw peanuts are used in a variety of dishes. Eating raw peanuts on their own is itself a delicacy. Another way to eat them nearly raw is by boiling them with a little salt. They also taste good just by roasting them with their paper-thin skin. A variety of Indian dishes use peanuts as a staple in home cooking. Some of the recipes that include peanuts are
- Honey roasted peanuts
- Peanut granola
- Sweet and spicy peanuts
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Coat a baking sheet with butter or oil.
- Combine peanuts and honey in a bowl. Combine sugar, cumin, salt, chili powder, and ground chipotle pepper in a separate bowl. Add the sugar mixture to the peanuts and toss well to coat. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake, stirring every 5 minutes until the coating is thickened. Remove from the oven and cool completely, stirring often to break up any large clumps.
- Peach peanut salsa
- Combine peaches, tomatoes, peanuts, onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and let stand 30 minutes before serving.
- Peanut caramel popcorn
Other FAQs about Peanuts that you may be interested in.
What is the difference between peanuts and cashews?
Conclusion
In this brief guide we answered the question, ‘Can you eat peanuts raw?’ and also studied the origin of peanuts, and how to obtain raw peanuts. We also learned the nutritional benefits of peanuts and the risks of eating peanuts.
