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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