Ingredient Name:  Peanuts, ground nuts, or earthnuts

Traditional Chinese Name: 花生  (huā shēng)

What is this?

  • Peanuts are part of the bean family
  • The plants grow no taller than 1.6 feet in height and produce a legume which contains seeds in it
  • It is during cultivation that the plant has turned downwards and put the fruit on the ground where it matures and turns into the peanuts that we see commercially
  • The Chinese consume peanuts widely and are the world’s largest producer of peanuts
  • It is commonly found in soups, dishes, and desserts

How do I prepare it?

  • Rinse with warm water before using in soup
  • You can use raw peanuts as well as cooked peanuts for soups

Where can I buy this?

  • Peanuts can be found in all supermarkets and even snacks
  • It is best to purchase unprocessed peanuts (unsalted) for soup usage

What is the cost?

  • Peanuts are very affordable.  A bag of peanuts can cost $3-5 CAD 

Any benefits?

  • Peanuts have a high source of nutrients with over 30 essential nutrients
  • They are high in protein and energy and have a high content of unsaturated “good” fats
  • Excellent for brain health and circulation and blood flow
  • Peanuts also contain a high amount of anti-oxidants that help slow down the process of aging

Any precautions?

  • Peanut allergies are relatively common so consume when you’re sure no allergies are present
  • Boiled peanuts have a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction over roasting (as some studies have shown)

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