How to choose the right peanuts?

Peanuts can be sold in different forms, and they are bought for consumption or as additional ingredients to dishes. Depending on the purpose for which the peanuts are purchased, you need to stop your choice on a certain variety of it.

Traditionally, peanuts are classified into the following groups:

• raw peanuts in shells;
• shelled peanuts;
• peanuts without shell and skin;
• peanuts without shell, but with skin.

Peanuts without shell and skin are pre-cooked. This process is similar to blanching. At the same time, the nuts remain moist, but they do not need to be peeled. Such peanuts are distinguished by their increased cost, therefore, if you need to save money when choosing nuts, then you can buy ordinary raw types in shell or without it. In addition, peanuts can be sold by weight or sorted into individual packages.

How to choose peanuts

Peanuts can differ in the shape of the nuts. They can be elongated or even round. Such a nuance can have a dramatic effect on the taste characteristics. Peanuts of different varieties not only taste different, but can also be almost tasteless. An important point to pay special attention to when buying is the freshness and quality of the nuts.

The nuances of buying peanuts in bags or other packages:

• if peanuts are bought in transparent packaging, then in addition to its integrity, it is necessary to at least visually evaluate the nuts;
• if there is foreign debris in the package or the nuts do not look too fresh, then it is better to refuse to buy them;
• if the package contains a lot of peanuts with wrinkled, darkened or damaged surfaces, then these nuts are also not recommended.

The nuances of buying raw peanuts:

• good and quality peanuts will never be wet;
• Inshell peanuts are lightweight (shelled nuts should be of natural weight);
• the surface of peanuts and shells (if any) must be assessed not only for integrity, but also for the presence of traces of damage by insects or diseases;
• cracks, spots of different shades and other defects on the peanut shell should not be;
• if you shake the peanuts in the shell, then a characteristic dull sound should be heard (a ringing sound when shaking indicates that the nuts have been stored for too long and are already dry);
• if you plan to store peanuts for a long time, then it is better to buy nuts in shells (in this case, the nut will be more reliably protected from bacteria and parasites that contribute to the appearance of rot or mold);
• if it is difficult to call peanuts pure, then it is better to refuse to buy it (pollution can be mold, the results of the vital activity of rodents or other harmful components that, penetrating into the nuts, make them hazardous to health);
• the aroma of peanuts should be characteristic and not contain extraneous odors (the nuts could be sorted out and washed to remove mold, but the smell will still remain);
• peanuts from one bag or in one package must be the same in size and shape (if different varieties are mixed, then the taste of the final mixture will be difficult to predict);
• it is recommended to buy peanuts of any kind only from reliable sellers, for example, in large stores or large markets, and it is advisable to purchase nuts by weight so that you can fully examine them and study not only their external signs, but also the aroma;
• if peanuts are sold in packages (or packed in plastic bags), then additionally inspect them for the presence of condensation (if drops are visible or the inner area of ​​the package is “fogged up”, then you should definitely refuse to buy such nuts).

Indian peanuts have a special taste. It is the smallest in size, but its taste is rich, and the aroma is the strongest among other varieties of these nuts. There is a separate type of peanut with large kernels. Despite its size, this variety has a weak taste. Sometimes such kernels can be practically tasteless, and this is not a sign of spoilage, but a feature of the variety.