Groundnuts (Peanuts)
The groundnuts (peanut) is a native of South America and reached India through China and now generally cultivated throughout India. It is native of Brazil and It is widely grown in South India, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. It’s plant is a bushy or creeping annual with the peculiar habit of ripening its fruit underground. A sandy soil is best for its cultivation and the soil must be friable so that the ripening fruit can be buried, and it must be well fertilized. The peanuts seeds are used for roasting or salting and for the preparation of peanut butter. Peanuts are a very nutritious food. The filtered refined oil is used for cooking and in making margarine. Peanut oil is important food oil. The peanut kernels are also used in various foods and confectionery. They are ground and made into peanut butter. Peanut flour is prepared by grinding the finest grades of peanut cake. Some commercial products are groundnut milk, peanut icecream and peanut massage oil for infantile paralysis.
Health Benefit of Groundnuts/Peanuts
India Export of Groundnuts/ Peanuts
India is the second largest peanut producer in the world. The nuts are produced in different variety including Spanish, bold, and red natal. Groundnuts are primary sources of oilseed crop in India and bridge the vegetable deficit in the country. The crop is planted in two cycles and harvested in March and October thus making the nuts available throughout the year. India produced 6,857,000 metric tons of peanuts in 2016 and has exported 4,89,187.13 MT of groundnuts to the world for the worth of 473.80 USD Millions during the year 2018-19. The peanut major export destination for India includes Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.