This plant is an annual, with yellow pea flowers belonging to the legume family. It prefers a light soil and subtropical climate to develop its crop in 4-5 months. The flower stalks push into the soil where the seeds – or peanuts – develop underground. The highly nutritious seeds contain Vitamins B and E, 30% protein and 40-50% oil.
Peanuts are familiar eaten fresh or roasted and salted and they are used whole in the recipes of tropical countries where they are grown. Peanut butter is made by removing the skin and germ and grinding the roasted nuts. The oil pressed from the nuts is usually refined, making it virtually tasteless and this makes it popular for cooking and salads and one of the most important oils used for making margarine. It has a high smoke point so it is good for frying. The oil is also used for packing fish like tinned sardines and tuna. Cosmetically, if unrefined, it’s distinctive color and oilier feel make its less favored for massage and lotions.
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