Even though the name peanut suggests a nut, the seed of the plant is a kernel and is a legume. New plants can be grown from peanut seeds - if good site conditions are provided.
What are peanut seeds and how do you grow them?
Peanut seeds are actually kernels that grow in pods of the peanut plant. To grow, the kernel is best purchased from seed stores, but can also be grown from unroasted and uns alted supermarket peanuts as long as the brown skin remains intact.
Peanut kernels grow in pods
The peanut plant forms inflorescences that sink into the ground after a short time. There the kernels ripen in shells, also called pods.
Each bowl contains one to three seeds depending on size. They are surrounded by a brown membrane.
The pod is dried after the peanut harvest. Then the cores can be easily removed.
Grow new plants from peanut seeds
To grow peanut plants yourself, the kernels are dried in the pods and only released directly before sowing. The brown skin must not be removed because the seed will not always germinate.
To grow your own, you should get seeds from the seed store.
Peanuts bought in the supermarket can also be used if they are neither roasted nor s alted. However, the seeds often do not germinate because they have been stored for too long or incorrectly.
Peanut kernels, the delicious snack
Peanuts are particularly popular as a snack. To do this, the dried kernels are dried in the shell, removed and then roasted. This is how the aroma really develops.
Peanuts can also be eaten raw or cooked. They can be used in the kitchen for various purposes:
- Peanut sauce
- Autumn salads
- Peanut Butter
- Vegetable soups
-
Nut cake
Tips & Tricks
Peanuts are an exception among legumes. They are not poisonous and can be eaten raw or cooked. However, allergy sufferers must be careful when eating the seeds because of the high histamine content.
