Salted Peanuts

Name: Salted peanuts — roasted peanuts, shelled or in the shell, that have been seasoned with salt. They are a classic bar and ball-game snack, and are often sold as cocktail peanuts.

Description

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is native to South America, where it was domesticated thousands of years ago, and is botanically a legume rather than a true nut, because the pods ripen underground. Spanish and Portuguese traders carried it to Africa, Asia and North America, where it became a staple crop.

Salted peanuts are made by roasting the nuts, then coating them in salt, sometimes with a little oil to make it stick. In-shell peanuts may be soaked in brine before roasting so that the salt reaches the kernel. They became a popular companion to beer and a staple of American baseball grounds in the early 20th century, and are now a global snack.

Main nutrition value

Salted peanuts provide protein, healthy unsaturated fat and fibre like plain peanuts, but they also carry a significant amount of added sodium.

How best to be consumed

Salted peanuts are best as an occasional snack rather than an everyday habit.

1. Eat a small handful rather than finishing a large bag.
2. Choose lightly salted or unsalted peanuts for everyday snacking.
3. Pair with fresh fruit or vegetables to balance the salt.
4. Check the label for sodium, and for added sugar or flavourings in coated varieties.
5. Drink water alongside, since the salt is strong.

Overconsumption could cause…

The main concern with salted peanuts is the sodium, together with the usual peanut cautions.

1. High salt (sodium) intake, which can raise blood pressure over time, especially if eaten regularly in large quantities.
2. Peanut allergy, one of the most common and potentially severe food allergies, so peanuts must be avoided completely by anyone allergic, and labels checked for cross-contact.
3. Weight gain from eating large amounts, since peanuts are very calorie-dense.
4. Choking in young children, for whom whole peanuts are not suitable.

GroupsPeanutsLegume familyHigh fibreHigh saturated fatRich in folateRich in magnesiumRich in potassiumCured or salted

Related foodsRoasted PeanutsUnsalted PeanutsGroundnutsRaw PeanutsPeanut ButterPeanut Flour

Wikipedia — Peanut, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut