Peanuts are arguably one of the most versatile and popular nuts globally. But how much do you really know about them? Are peanuts even a nut at all? Here’s everything you need to know about peanuts!

What are Peanuts?

Surely peanuts are nuts, right? Wrong. At first glance, peanuts may look like nuts but they belong to the legume family, along with beans and lentils.

Unlike nuts which grow on trees or bushes, peanuts actually grow underground in large clumps of pods. This makes them a relation to beans and lentils and means that they can’t be categorized as a true nut. 

Unlike nut trees which take many years to grow to maturity, peanut plants are typically planted after the last frost and can be harvested in just 4-5 months! Once harvested, the whole peanuts in their shells are processed and either sold as whole raw peanuts or shelled and roasted to be sold as a tasty snack or as an ingredient in other foods. 

If Peanuts Aren’t Nuts, Why Do We Call Them Nuts?

Peanuts may not be nuts, but it would be terribly confusing to change their name now. Once upon a time, peanuts were actually referred to as “ground peas,” but their name changed as they began to spread throughout the world. While they may not be real nuts, peanuts are still often grouped with other members of the nut family, but at least you know the truth. 

Where do Peanuts Come From?

Peanuts are an important historical food and have been used in many different cultures throughout history. They were a well-known food source for Aztec warriors and are still an important part of the diet of people living in Central America today.

The first peanuts were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, where they quickly became a popular food. Later in the 18th Century, peanuts arrived in the United States, where they were initially grown as ornamental plants. It wasn't until the 19th Century that peanuts were cultivated for their nutritional and culinary value. During the American Civil War, peanuts were used as a food source by both the North and the South, with peanuts being roasted in oil to make them more palatable.

 Today, peanuts are one of the most popular foods in the United States and are grown commercially in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with major crops in China and India as well as across the U.S., Argentina, and Indonesia.

Can You Eat Peanuts if You Have a Nut Allergy?

Peanuts may not be tree nuts, but they can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to other varieties of tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. This is because peanuts and tree nuts share the same allergenic proteins, which means that even trace amounts of peanuts may cause an adverse reaction in those with nut allergies. That being said, some people find they have an allergy to tree nuts or peanuts individually.

It’s usually pretty obvious if you have a nut allergy, but symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people report skin reactions and digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea, while in other cases, even a trace amount of peanuts can cause anaphylaxis.

If you have a tree nut allergy or suspect that you might be at risk of peanut allergies, it’s important to speak with your doctor before tucking into a pack of peanuts for the first time.

Are Peanuts and Monkey Nuts the Same Thing?

If you’re reading this from the UK, or have visited the UK, then you may have heard of people referring to peanuts as monkey nuts. In the UK, peanuts and monkey nuts are one and the same, but in other countries, monkey nuts can be entirely different things. The name monkey nut comes from a time when whole raw peanuts were a popular food for monkeys in zoos, and it has stuck around ever since. 

Are Peanuts Good For You?

When people think of peanuts, they often imagine heavily salted snacks or sweet candies when peanuts themselves are actually very good for you. 

Through no fault of their own, peanuts have earned themselves a bit of a bad reputation for being unhealthy. This is due primarily to the manufacture of heavily processed peanut butter filled with added oils and sugar and unhealthy sweet treats like peanut brittle.

Do Peanuts Make You Fat?

Peanuts may be a calorie-dense food, but if you eat them in moderation, they aren’t going to make you fat. A one-ounce serving of peanuts, which is about 28g or a small handful, contains around 166 calories which is actually less than the same amount of almonds or walnuts. 

Peanuts only become bad for you when you eat too many of them or cover them in oil or sugar. These types of peanuts are high in unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes or heart disease over time.

Can Peanuts Help You Lose Weight?

Peanuts contain a variety of nutrients that can actually help with weight loss. They’re a great source of protein and fiber, both of which have been shown to promote healthy weight loss by helping you to feel full for longer.

Interestingly, peanuts also contain a compound called resveratrol, which has been shown to increase energy expenditure and help prevent weight gain in mice. While humans aren't mice, that's still an interesting fact to know!

What are Peanuts Made Of?

A one-ounce serving of raw peanuts contains around 166 calories, while a one-ounce serving of dry-roasted peanuts contains around 170 calories. But peanuts are made up of a whole lot more than just calories. Let’s take a look:

What is the Nutritional Value of Peanuts?

Let's take a look at the nutritional breakdown for one ounce of raw peanuts:

• Protein: 7 grams
• Fiber: 2.4 grams
• Fat 14.2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4.6 grams
• Sugar: 1.1 grams
• Calories: 166
  

And for one ounce of dry roasted peanuts: 

• Protein: 7.1 grams
• Fiber: 2.4 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4.7grams
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Calories: 170

As you can see, both raw and dry roasted peanuts are a good source of protein and fiber, both of which are important for weight loss. They’re also low in sugar, and while they may be high in fat, they are primarily made up of the good kinds of fat that can actually reduce cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.

Peanut Products to Avoid if You're Trying to Lose Weight

While peanuts themselves are quite healthy, there are some peanut products that you should avoid if you're trying to lose weight. 

Firstly, peanut butter. Peanut butter, when made at home or bought all-natural is incredibly nutritious, however peanut butter is often heavily processed, leaving it high in sugar and calories. When choosing your peanut butter, pay close attention to the ingredients label and choose natural, additive free options.

Secondly, you’ll also want to avoid any kind of peanut roasted in oil. Adding oil to peanuts makes them extra calorific and, when combined with added sugar or salt, can create an addicting and unhealthy combination. Choosing dry-roasted peanuts is a way to make sure your not sacrificing the amazing health benefits of this little legume.

How Many Peanuts Should you Eat for Weight Loss?

If you’re trying to lose weight but still want to enjoy peanuts, you should eat around one ounce per day. While this may not seem like a lot, a one-ounce serving will still provide you with plenty of nutrients and will fill you up between meals. 

If you want to eat more peanuts than this, then that’s entirely up to you. Just be mindful of how they fit into your calorie allowance, and remember to stick to raw and dry roasted varieties where possible. 

Eating Peanuts as a Part of a Healthy Diet

Peanuts are packed full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and should be enjoyed as a part of a varied diet. 

If you want to enjoy the health benefits of peanuts without the unhealthy drawbacks, then stick to raw or dry-roasted peanuts with no added salt or sugar, and remember to moderate your portion sizes. 

Finally, remember that peanuts are just one part of a healthy diet, so be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds alongside your daily portion of peanuts!

Peanuts Vs. Almonds - Which is Better for You?

Peanuts and almonds are two of the most popular nuts around. But which is better for you? Let's take a look at how the two compare so you can decide for yourself. 

Which is More Nutritious - Peanuts or Almonds?

Both peanuts and almonds are packed with nutrition, providing a range of vitamins and minerals that can support your health.

A one-ounce serving of peanuts contains:

• Protein: 7 grams
• Fiber: 2.4 grams
• Vitamin E: 20% of the recommended daily value (DV)
• Folate: 19% of the DV
• Magnesium: 14% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 12% of the DV
• Manganese: 33% of the DV

A one-ounce serving of almonds contains:

• Protein: 6 grams
• Fiber: 3.5 grams
• Vitamin E: 37% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 15% of the DV
• Manganese: 32% of the DV
• Magnesium: 20% of the DV
• Calcium: 8% of the DV
• Copper: 23% of the DV

As you can see, both peanuts and almonds are excellent sources of nutrition. But there are some key differences in their stats. 

Peanuts are a good source of folate, which is needed to make and repair your DNA. Meanwhile, almonds are a good source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals. Peanuts are also a good source of magnesium, which is needed for hundreds of cellular reactions, but almonds are even better!

Which is more nutritious? That depends entirely on the nutrient you’re measuring. We’ll call this a tie. 

Which is Better for Weight Loss - Peanuts or Almonds?

When it comes to weight loss, both peanuts and almonds can help you shift the scale. Peanuts are a good source of protein and fiber, both of which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber, but they're also slightly lower in calories than peanuts, making them a good choice for people on a strict calorie-controlled diet. 

A one-ounce serving of peanuts contains:

• Calories: 166
• Fat: 14 grams
• Protein: 7 grams
• Fiber: 2.4 grams

A one-ounce serving of almonds contains:

• Calories: 164
• Fat: 14 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fiber: 3.5 grams

As you can see, in the weight loss department, the nutritional analysis of these two superfoods is very tight, and there's not much in it at all. While peanuts may be slightly higher in protein, almonds are somewhat higher in fiber. Overall, they both make great healthy snacks for weight loss - it’s a tie!

Which is More Affordable - Peanuts or Almonds?

Peanuts are usually more affordable than almonds because they're more widely available and generally less expensive to produce. Peanuts are also often sold in bulk, which can help you save even more money, especially if you eat peanuts regularly or like to make your own peanut butter. 

On the other hand, almonds tend to be more on the pricey side. This is partly because they're not as widely available as peanuts and partly due to the fact that they take longer to produce. Almonds are also trendier than peanuts, and as such, supermarkets often charge a premium. 

Peanuts win when it comes to affordability. 

Whole Peanuts or Peanut Butter - Which Is Healthier For You?

If you like peanuts, then you’re bound to love peanut butter, but which is better for you? Let’s take a look at how peanuts and peanut butter differ.

Is Eating Peanut Butter the Same as Eating Whole Peanuts?

Peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Peanut butter is made from peanuts, so it has all of the same nutrients as whole peanuts; however, there are a few key differences to consider.

Whole Peanuts are More Satisfying than Peanut Butter

When you eat whole peanuts, your body has to work harder to break them down. This can help you feel fuller for longer since it takes more time for the whole peanut to digest. The process of feeling full begins when we chew our food, and since whole peanuts require a lot more chewing than peanut butter, they can make you feel fuller more quickly.

Peanut Butter Can Contain Added Oil, Sugar, and Salt

When buying peanut butter, be sure to check the ingredients list. Some brands of peanut butter can contain added oil, sugar, and salt. These ingredients can make the peanut butter less healthy than eating the same amount of whole peanuts. Look for a brand of peanut butter that only contains peanuts and no added ingredients, or why not try making some yourself at home?

Not all Peanuts are Equal

When comparing whole peanuts to peanut butter, it's important to remember that just as peanut butter can contain additives, not all peanuts are created equal. Peanuts that have been roasted in oil or covered in sugar or salt are not as healthy as raw peanuts. If you're looking for the healthiest peanuts around, then choose raw unsalted peanuts or dry roasted peanuts with no added oil or salt.

The Bottom Line

So, which is better for you? Whole peanuts or peanut butter? The answer is, it depends! If you're looking for a more filling snack that requires a little bit more work to eat, then whole peanuts are the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for an easy snack that you can take on the go or add to your meals, then peanut butter is a great option. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure you're getting the healthiest peanut butter around.

How Many Peanuts is a Serving?

A serving of peanuts is generally considered to be about a handful or around 28 peanuts. That's about 1 ounce or 28 grams. As for peanut butter, a serving of peanut butter is generally considered to be 2 tablespoons, which is around 50 grams.

How Many Peanuts Can You Eat in a Day?

Peanuts are a popular and versatile snack, but how many peanuts can you eat in a day without putting your health at risk? Let's take a look.

The answer to this question may surprise you. According to the American Peanut Council, there is no limit to how many peanuts you can eat in a day. But is this really true?

Peanuts are high in fiber and also fat. And while these are both good things in moderation, eating too much of anything is never wise.

Eating too many peanuts can easily cause you to consume too much fat, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as heart disease. Eating too many peanuts can also lead to constipation. This is because peanuts are high in fiber, which can bind together and cause constipation.

At the end of the day, the number of peanuts you should eat in a day will vary depending on the kind of peanuts you're eating and your health goals.

What Happens if You Eat Too Many Peanuts?

If you've just gotten to the bottom of a big bag of peanuts and are now worried that you've eaten too many, then don't panic. If you eat too many peanuts, you may experience some side effects such as constipation or indigestion, but you're going to be fine for the most part. 

Drink plenty of water, especially if you've been eating salted peanuts, and maybe give high-fat foods a miss for a little while.

Eating Peanuts in Moderation

As with anything, peanuts are best enjoyed in moderation. Try weighing out your portion before sitting down for a snack if you can't trust yourself not to overindulge. Another way to make your peanuts go further is to buy them raw and in their shells. Removing the shell from your peanuts is a good distraction for your brain and can help you feel satisfied more quickly.

4 Places in Canada to Find High-Quality Peanuts Online

We've got you covered if you're looking for the best peanuts in Canada. Peanuts are a great snack, and they're also a nutritious source of protein. They're perfect for athletes and people who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The good news is that you can buy high-quality peanuts online, and we're going to tell you where to find them.

Walmart

The first place you can buy high-quality peanuts is Walmart. They have a great selection of nuts, and their prices are very competitive.  At Walmart, you can find roasted, raw, or salted peanuts, and while they may not be the best quality, their price is hard to sniff at.

Costco

Costco is another great place to buy high-quality peanuts, especially if you prefer to buy things in bulk. They have a wide variety of products, and they're usually very affordable. Besides stocking bags of peanuts, they also sell peanut butter, peanut oil, and powdered peanut butter.

Ayoub's Dried Fruit and Nuts

We don't mind giving a shoutout to some of Canada's most popular grocery stores, but if you're looking for top-tier peanuts in Canada, you're already on the right website. Here at Ayoub's, we specialize in sourcing the highest-quality nuts, and if we don't sell them raw, we roast them by hand in small batches to perfection. We've got salted peanuts, spicy peanuts, lime and pepper peanuts, and even blanched peanuts. Not to mention, if you're watching your sodium, we have lightly salted peanuts with 90% less salt.

Whole Foods Market

If you're looking for an organic option, then you'll want to check out Whole Foods Market. They sell a variety of nuts and seeds that are certified organic and non-GMO. You can find roasted peanuts, raw peanuts, peanut butter, and more and some stores even let you make your own nut butter. While Whole Foods peanuts are undoubtedly good quality, they are usually on the more costly side - just something to bear in mind if you need a lot of peanuts or are on a tighter budget.

Other Places to Buy Peanuts Online in Canada

Of course, these are just a few of the places where you can buy high-quality peanuts online in Canada. You can also buy peanuts from Amazon, and there are countless other health-food brands with their own online stores. Wherever you choose to buy your peanuts, just be sure to check what's gone into them, and where possible, always purchase roasted peanuts when they are fresh.

So there you have it! These are four great places to buy high-quality peanuts online. Peanuts are a great source of protein, and they're perfect for people who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle - now go buy some peanuts!

Do Peanuts Go Off?

The short answer is yes; eventually, all food will go off. However, peanuts have a particularly long shelf life and can last for several months if stored correctly. Peanuts are a legume and contain high levels of fat which both act as preservatives. This means that they won't go moldy or develop bacteria as other foods might.

Do Peanuts Go Rancid Like Tree Nuts?

While the fat in peanuts may help to preserve them, it is also ultimately what causes them to go off. Just like tree nuts, peanuts will go rancid when left exposed to the open air.  Rancidification occurs when the fat molecules within the peanut start to oxidize, causing a foul taste and an unpleasant odor.

Can You Eat Rancid Peanuts?

Generally speaking, you shouldn't eat peanuts that have gone rancid as they will taste bad and could potentially make you ill. If you do accidentally eat a rancid peanut, it's unlikely to cause any severe harm, but you may experience gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting if you eat a lot of them.

How To Store Peanuts to Stop Them Going Off

The best way to store peanuts is in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent them from becoming exposed to oxygen and humidity, which can speed up the process of rancidification. If you have an unopened bag of peanuts, then they're usually best left in their original packaging.

If you've already opened the bag, then it's best to store them in a glass jar or Tupperware container with a lid. Make sure that the container is completely dry before adding the peanuts, as moisture can cause them to go off more quickly. It's also important to remove as much air as possible from the container before sealing it shut.

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, peanuts will usually stay fresh for 3-4 months. If you keep them in the freezer, then they should last for 9-12 months.

Once opened, roasted peanuts will usually only stay fresh for 1-2 weeks stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer.

Does Peanut Butter Go Bad?

Most store-bought peanut butter contains additional ingredients such as sugar, salt, and oil which help it to last longer once opened. Natural peanut butter made from 100% peanuts has a much shorter shelf life.  If you store your store-bought peanut butter in the refrigerator, it should last for several months, whereas natural peanut butter will only stay fresh for a few weeks.

Whether storing store-bought or homemade peanut butter, it's best to use an airtight container and avoid exposing the product to too much moisture and oxygen.

How to Make Your Own Peanut Butter

Making your own peanut butter is actually very easy! All you need is a food processor and some peanuts. Here's a quick and easy recipe:

You will need:

• Around 2.5 cups of unsalted (or lightly salted) dry roasted peanuts
• A food processor.

1. If you haven't got dry roasted peanuts, then you'll need to start by roasting raw peanuts in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Spread them out in a single layer so they can roast evenly. Allow the peanuts to cool before adding them to the food processor.
2. If you do have dry roasted peanuts, you need to add them to your food processor and start pulsing them until they form a thick paste.
3. Scrape down the sides as needed, and keep running your food processor until your peanuts release their oil and turn into peanut butter. This will take about five minutes but can take longer, depending on your food processor.
4. If you like smoother peanut butter, then you may want to add a light drizzle of oil to help loosen the mixture. You can also add any desired extras such as salt or sugar at this stage and then process for an additional minute.
5. Once creamy, transfer the peanut butter to an airtight jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to two months.

How to Store Homemade Peanut Butter

Homemade peanut butter will last for up to two months in the fridge, provided it's stored in an airtight container. If you find that your peanut butter is starting to separate, simply give it a good stir before using it. You can also store peanut butter in the freezer for up to six months.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post on homemade peanut butter. Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try? Let us know how you get on.

To Wrap Up, Here are Eight of the Craziest Facts about Peanuts

How well do you know your peanuts? Do you consider yourself to be a peanut expert, or is this the first time you've ever really thought about them? Either way, we're here to share with you some amazing nutrition facts about peanuts that will make you think twice about this delicious little legume!

1. Aztec Warriors ate peanuts:

In order to gain strength and power before battle, Aztec warriors would eat a mixture of ground peanuts and chocolate! This combination sounds delicious, and we're sure it gave them the energy they needed to take on their enemies.

2. Peanuts Aren't Real Nuts

Although we tend to group peanuts with other nuts like almonds and walnuts, they're actually not nuts at all! Peanuts are classified as legumes, which means they're related to beans and lentils. They even grow underground!

3. Peanuts Contain More Protein than Any Other Nut

One serving of peanuts (about 28 grams or 1/8th of a cup) has 7 grams of protein. That's more protein than what you'll find in a serving of almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts! So if you're looking for a plant-based protein source, peanuts are the way to go.

4. 540 Peanuts Go Into a 12-Ounce Jar of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the most popular spreads globally, but did you know that it takes 540 peanuts to make just a single 12-ounce jar? That's a lot of delicious nutty goodness!

5. Peanuts Fight Heart Disease and Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that eating peanuts regularly can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. If you're looking for a healthy snack, reach for some roasted peanuts or peanut butter instead of potato chips or candy bars.

6. Americans Eat Enough Peanut Butter to Coat the Floor of the Grand Canyon Each Year

According to the Texas Peanut Board, Americans eat enough peanut butter to coat the floor of the grand canyon thoroughly! That's a lot of peanut butter and a crazy amount of peanuts.

7. Peanuts Have Lots of Nicknames

Peanuts have garnered quite a few nicknames throughout history, including goobers, monkey nuts, and groundnuts. The nickname goober comes from Congo and stems from the Congo word "nguba".

8. Peanuts Have Made it into Space

Peanuts aren't just a favorite on earth but are also an astronaut favorite in space! Astronaut Alan Shepard took a jar of peanut butter with him to the moon and made a PB&J sandwich on the International Space Station.

So there you have it - everything you need to know about peanuts (and some things you didn’t need to know but are cool to know anyway!)