October 13th is International Peanut Day, established to promote peanuts, their consumption and production. Peanuts are popular globally, as they are easily accessible and very nutritious.
In Mexico, the word for peanut is cacahuate, which stems from the Nahuatl tlacáhuatl, which means cocoa of the earth.
Origin of Peanuts
The origin of peanuts begins in South America. The peanut is a native South American legume. Scientists have collected macrofossil and starch grain data of peanuts in Peru over 8 thousand years ago. Evidence also suggests that pre-Incan civilizations domesticated and cultivated peanuts over 7 thousand years ago.
In Mexico, peanuts have been cultivated for centuries. In Mesoamerica, peanuts had great significance, as depicted in ancient artifacts that have been unearthed.
History of Peanuts in the Americas
At the time of the European expansion into the Americas, peanuts were well known and grown extensively. Through trade and migration, peanuts spread throughout South America and Central America. The peanut was then disseminated to Europe, and other regions of the world.
Characteristics of the peanut
The botanical name of the peanut is Arachis hypogaea L.
The peanut is contained inside a rough shell. It has a characteristic oval shape with a pinkish-reddish thin skin. It has a neutral flavor.
Interestingly, the peanut is not a nut. The peanut grows underground! The peanut is considered a legume, related to beans and lentils.
Special Features of Peanuts
Growing peanuts requires special care. Specific climatic conditions are required for the peanut plant to grow. As the peanut plant is susceptible to cold conditions, temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius are required. Also, in terms of irrigation, there cannot be any excess irrigation after the flowering of the peanut plant.
Yet, another feature is that peanut flowers are self-pollinating. Flowers form into pods with peanuts.
During harvesting, the entire peanut plant must be uprooted. This is because the peanut grows underground in a woody pod, attached to its roots.
Nutritional Value of Peanuts
The peanut is considered a superfood, as it is rich in essential nutrients that provide health benefits. If consumed regularly, peanuts contain a variety of nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet.
Among them are protein, healthy fats, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Peanuts have high-quality protein. They are a good source of vitamins B6 and E, folate, and niacin. They also have magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Lastly, 80% of the fats in peanuts are unsaturated fats.
Uses of peanuts
Peanuts are versatile and used in many sectors. In addition to the food sector, the peanut is used in the beauty industry, for skin and hair care products.
Additionally, peanuts are sold in various forms, such as snacks, peanut butter, candy bars, and oil. Actually, peanuts in the form of a variety of Mexican sweets and candy are traditional and popular.
Furthermore, peanuts are consumed and prepared in a variety of ways in Mexican dishes. Some examples are mole, tamales, and atole. In Mexican cuisine, the peanut is an essential ingredient in many recipes.
Peanut Agriculture in Mexico
In Mexico, farmers choose well-drained fields and prepare the soil. Peanut plants grow in 90-120 days. The plants require watering and pest control.
Afterwards, the peanut pods are harvested manually or with harvesting machinery. The peanut pod clumps are dried, then separated.
Peanut Production in Mexico
Mexico is one of the world’s leading exporters of peanuts, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy. In Mexico, states such as Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Chiapas, have the highest production of peanuts. These states meet the necessary conditions for peanuts to grow properly.
In 2022, peanut production in Mexico was more than 86 thousand tons. The state of Sinaloa is the main producer of peanuts in Mexico.
So, let’s celebrate peanuts!
Author: AllMexico.store
Did you know?
The Tlapanalá Peanut Fair is celebrated in the state of Puebla. More than 50 exhibitors participate, demonstrating the various derivatives of the peanut in Mexico: roasted, boiled, cream, marzipan, snacks, dishes, ice cream, desserts, atole, tamales, mole and Mexican sweets and candy.
Peanuts are legumes, not nuts.
In terms of sustainability, peanuts improve soil quality. It is known that they fix nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
References
Government of Mexico Peanuts in Mexico: Nutritional Treasure of Mexican Agriculture | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Government | gob.mx
