Peanuts
The peanut, or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), is a species in the legume “bean” family (Fabaceae) native to South America, Mexico and Central America. Peanuts are known by many local names, including earthnuts, ground nuts, goober peas, monkey nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts. The term “Monkey nut” is often used to mean the entire pod.
The legume gained Western popularity when it came to the United States from Africa. It had become popular in Africa after being brought there from Brazil by the Portuguese around 1800.
Edible peanuts account for two-thirds of the total peanut use in the United States. Popular confections include salted peanuts, peanut butter (sandwiches, candy bars, and cups), peanut brittle, and shelled nuts (plain/roasted). Peanut oil is often used in cooking, because it has a mild flavor and its relatively high cooking temperature. Its high monounsaturated content makes it heart-healthy and resistant to rancidity.
Peanuts are common ingredients in Peruvian Creole cuisine reflecting the marriage of native ingredients and ingredients introduced by Europeans. Common Indonesian peanut-based dishes include gado-gado, pecel, karedok and ketoprak, all vegetable salads mixed with peanut sauce, and the peanut-based dipping sauce for satay. Boiled peanuts are a popular Chinese snack and appetizer. Peanuts are also used in the Mali meat stew maafe, and in many sauces for South American meat dishes, especially rabbit. Peanuts can be used like other legumes and grains to make a lactose-free milk-like beverage, Peanut milk.
Peanuts are nutrient rich, providing over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients. Peanuts are a good source of niacin, folate, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and phosphorus. They also are naturally free of trans-fats and sodium, and contain about 25% protein (a higher proportion than in any true nut). While peanuts are considered high in fat, they primarily contain “good” fats also known as unsaturated fats.
You can find authentic Filipino Peanuts on many Filipino Restaurants in Los Angeles.
