Peanut and groundnut are very healthy for us. You can eat them as snacks. They taste delicious. In addition, peanut is also useful for health. The following are some ways to use peanut and groundnut that you may not have thought of before: As you know, peanuts are an important part of your daily diet to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. So, I will guide on how to include peanut and groundnut in your daily diet plan.
Difference Between Peanut and Groundnut
Main Difference -Peanut vs Groundnut
Peanut and Groundnut are both types of oilseeds. Oilseeds can be defined as small, hard, dry seeds that are rich in oil. Oil seeds are known as one of the main supplementary food due to the great demand for their nutrient content and vast consumption worldwide. Peanut is one of the major commercially important oilseed crops which is mainly cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Peanut is also known as an annual leguminous crop yielding from pods, used as food for both humans and animals. It is rich in fat and proteins. In contrast, groundnut may refer to peanuts like leguminous crops that mature and ripe underground as well as specific kinds of roots and tubers. This is the main difference between peanut and groundnut. They are more or less similar in their botanical and physiological features among different groundnuts species, and it becomes difficult to separate those different features correctly and distinguish one from the other. Consequently, the terms peanut and groundnut are frequently used interchangeably. Therefore, this article explores the differences between peanut and groundnut.
What is Groundnut
The family of groundnuts includes arachis villosulicarpa, bambara groundnut, peanut, hausa groundnut and others which also belong to the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae. Groundnut can also refer to the tuber root Apios Americana, Conopodium majus and Dwarf ginseng that bears edible beans as well as tubers. These groundnuts can be used for numerous agricultural purposes such as intercropping, crop rotations, biological fuels, green manure production, and rhizobium biofertilizer. They are used as food not only for humans but also for animals.
What is Peanut
The botanical name of peanut is Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts belong to the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae and are grown in larger quantities and provide food energy, fat, and protein for the entire world. In addition, they are considered as major decorating ingredients for confectionery production such as chocolates, cakes, biscuits, puddings, etc. Peanuts are a rich source of macronutrients (healthy fats, oils, and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) as well as bioactive phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoids, etc.). Peanuts are cultivated agriculturally, primarily for their human food grain seed, for livestock forage and silage production, and as soil-enhancing green manure. Peanuts contain symbiotic bacteria known as Rhizobia within root nodules of plant root systems. These bacteria have the distinct capability of fixing nitrogen from atmospheric. This organization helps the root nodules to act as sources of nitrogen for peas and create them relatively rich in plant proteins. Therefore, peanuts are among the greatest sources of plant protein and also serve as fertilizer for the soil. Scientific classification of peanut is as follows;
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Faboideae
- Tribe: Dalbergieae
- Genus: Arachis
- Species: hypogaea
Difference Between Peanut and Groundnut
Groundnut and peanut may have substantially different properties and applications. These differences may include,
Dictionary Definition
Peanut is a the plant of the pea family that typically comprise of seeds of peanuts, which develop in pods that ripen the underground.
Groundnut is a North American leguminous vine (Apios americana) plant of the pea family, which yields a sweet edible tuber or a different term for peanut.
Difference Between Groundnut and Peanut
However, the terms peanuts and groundnuts are still used interchangeably by people as they have little difference to them. Peanuts and groundnuts have the same features, but they are difficult to separate and distinguish from each other.
Both Groundnuts and peanuts are consumed by people and animals. They both are rich in protein and calories.
Groundnut vs Peanut
The main difference between groundnut and a peanut is that the groundnut family is huge, the groundnuts are used in cooking oil, and the groundnut also have high nutritional benefits whereas the peanut is a subset of the groundnut family, the peanuts have a distinctive shape and also have high nutritional benefits just like groundnuts.
Groundnuts was first originated from Western Africa. They are rich in calories and protein, and as they have high protein, they are healthy for the human body. Groundnuts also have roots and tubers.
Peanuts are originated from South America; they are used in making peanut butter. They have calories and proteins, which then make them healthy for the human body. They are also a part of a subset of the groundnut family.
Comparison Table Between Groundnut and Peanut
| Parameters of Comparison | Groundnut | Peanut |
| Origins | Groundnuts are originated from Western Africa. | Peanuts are originated from South America. |
| Nutritional benefits | They have high Nutritional benefits which make them healthy for the body. | Peanuts also have high nutritional benefits. |
| Shape | The shape of the groundnut depends on the groundnut itself. | Peanuts are cylindrical in shape. |
| Use | Groundnuts are used in cooking oil or even in health supplements. | Peanuts are used to make peanut butter. |
| Family | Groundnuts are a part of arachis villosulicarpo. | Peanut is a part of the pea family. |
What is Groundnut?
Groundnut comes from a big family called Arachis villosulicarpo. The groundnut can also be used for various agricultural purposes like intercropping or crop rotation for biological fuels for green manure production and also rhizobium biofertilizer.
Groundnuts are also used as food for animals. Apios Americana is capable of producing beans that are edible. The type of the plant determines the shape of the seed or the nut.
The groundnuts originated from western Africa. There are different types of groundnuts that have different tastes.
The groundnuts seeds are turned into groundnut oil and then are used for the cooking process. The groundnut oil has high nutrition content, which then makes it healthy for the body.
The groundnuts are high in protein and are also high in calories. Eating groundnuts every day may increase the life span of a person as they are a good source of protein.
Like peanuts, the ground nuts also have a high health risk to the people who are allergic to them.
What is Peanut?
Peanut is a common name; the botanical name of peanut is Arachis Hypogae. Peanuts provide food, energy, fat, and protein. They are also used in chocolate, cake, biscuits, pudding, spreads, Cetera.
Peanuts are a source of nutrients like fats, oil, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are cultivated by farmers and also contain bacteria known as rhizobium.
They help in fixing the nitrogen of the soil from the atmosphere. They are also used as fertilizers for the soil.
Peanuts are a part of the groundnut family. Peanuts are also used to make the peanut butter or the peanut butter spread. Peanut butter is used by people as a spread on a sandwich.
In the 1700s, peanuts were introduced to the northern part of the United States of America.
Peanuts usually have a nutty flavor. As the peanuts are processed differently, the flavor depends. The peanuts are also roasted, which then gives them a sweeter flavor.
Peanuts are more versatile than groundnuts because they can be used in savory and also in sweet dishes. Peanuts can be used as a portion of animal food.
They can also be used as a pigment for dyeing clothes, the peanut fiber can be turned into paper, and the peanut butter can also help to shine up the surfaces.
Peanuts are healthy for the body as they have a lot of calories. They can be eaten to improve the health of the heart; they can even lower cholesterol levels which can lower the risk of a stroke.
However, people with allergies to peanuts should stay away from them because they might hand themselves while having contact with them.
Main Differences Between Groundnut and Peanut
- Peanuts are a part of the pea family, while the groundnuts are a part of Arachis villosulicarpo.
- Peanuts are also called earthnut, monkey nut, while groundnut is called Bambara groundnut.
- Groundnuts have different shapes, while peanuts have cylindrical pods.
- Groundnuts are used for snack production, whereas peanuts are used for the production of nutritional supplements.
- Peanuts have a distinctive shape, whereas the shape of the groundnut depends on the groundnut itself.
- Peanuts are more popular than the ground nuts available.
- Peanuts have a nutty flavor, while the test of the ground depends on the groundnut itself.
- The peanuts are the subset of the groundnut family.
Difference Between Groundnut and Peanut
Groundnut vs. Peanut
A peanut is a kind of groundnut which belongs to the legume family. The family of groundnuts includes arachis villosulicarpa, bambara groundnut, peanut, hausa groundnut and others. The bambara groundnut belongs to the fabaceae family and is said to have originated in Western Africa. Groundnut may also refer to the tuber root Apios Americana that bears edible beans as well as tubers. There is no such diversity in the case of peanuts as they refer to a particular variety of groundnut. Peanut belongs to the arachis hypogaea that belongs to the Fabacaea pea family.
As a traditional African food plant, groundnut has multiple uses, being used for assisting in enhancing the levels of your body’s nutrition, food security, and overall nourishment. Peanuts are known by multiple names like earth nuts, groundnuts, monkey nuts and goober nuts.
The term ‘monkey nuts’ is often used in common parlance to denote the peanut pod; the bambara variety of groundnut ripens under the ground. Once the pods are ripe, peanut can be used for edible purposes. One particular type of groundnut, the macrotyloma geocarpum is an herb like plant, also known as the Kersting’s groundnut, or geocarpa groundnut.
The groundnut has a phenotypic or morphological diversity that attributes various traits to the plant. It is a major oilseed crop in countries like India where tropical and dry weather conditions make it suitable for growth and cultivation. The basic nature of the plant is that it can withstand conditions of extreme climate and is perfect for farming in dry land. Peanut grows wherever groundnut grows, although its uses are more diversified. For instance, peanut butter is a very popular ingredient in substances like medication for pets and nutritious soups. Groundnut can be used as oil cake feed for animals for providing manure to the soil.
Summary :
1. Peanut is a type of groundnut; groundnut may refer to peanuts as well as specific kinds of roots and tubers
2. Peanut is specifically used as nutritional supplements and as peanut butter, while groundnut is especially used as cooking oil, which has nutritional value
3. The bambara groundnut ripens its circular shaped pods underground, while peanut matures underground as a cylindrical pod
Candied Nuts (Groundnut Sweet-Sugar Peanuts)
Candied Nuts – Highly addictive peanuts with a crunchy sugar-coated layer make the perfect on-the-go snack. They’re fancy yet affordable, so they’re ideal for game-day or movie night, and they even make a great gift.
Candied nuts (ground nuts or peanuts) are a snack we can eat by the handful without realizing that we’ve overindulged. Picture yourself – watching television, reading your favorite spy novel, and the bowl of nuts are within reach – before you know it, the bowl is empty.
What a catastrophe! But that’s okay because peanuts are a superfood for your brain. And now you can make your own for the win. Don’t mind the sugar because everything in moderation is good, right? 😉
Imma’s Candied Nut Recipe
Peanuts are called groundnuts in Cameroon (West Africa), and candied peanuts are traditionally made with three simple ingredients. But my version has a few more because cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract make it sassier. And if you’re adventurous, cayenne pepper adds an extra punch.
Recipe Ingredients
These highly addictive candied peanuts are chemical-free (no added dye for their beautiful color).
- Peanuts – For easier prep, I suggest buying the shelled peanuts. You can find raw shelled peanuts in the baking aisle at your local grocery store and roasted peanuts in the snacks section.
- Sugar – You can use pure white sugar for this recipe, but brown sugar deepens the flavor.
- Flavor – If you love spice, cinnamon and nutmeg are the way to go. A pinch of cayenne pepper also adds more oomph. But feel free to skip this out if it doesn’t suit your taste. 😉
How to Make Candied Nuts
Roast the Peanuts
- Bake – Bake shelled peanuts in the oven at 325℉/163℃ on a cookie pan in a single layer for 15-20 minutes. Occasionally stir the peanuts and rotate the tray for even roasting. Remove and set aside.
Stovetop Method
- The Sugar Mixture – Heat water in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean or extract, and bring to a boil. Add the roasted peanuts.
- Crystallize – Turn the heat to medium-high to high, occasionally stirring, until sugar is grainy and crystallized, 15 to 18 minutes. Do not caramelize the sugar.
- Cool – Remove from heat, and spread it on a cookie sheet or tray. Let it cool and serve.
Oven Method
- Preheat Oven to 325℉/163℃.
- The Sugar Mixture – Heat sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla flavor, and water over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet.
- Boil – Bring to a boil, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add peanuts, and cook, stirring over medium heat, until the peanuts are evenly coated and crystalize. (Do not let them caramelize.) Remove them and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes for even roasting.
- Cool – Remove from the oven and let the peanuts cool.
Recipe Variations
- Groundnut Chikki – This one uses jaggery instead of sugar. Unlike candied nuts, which you eat individually, this one comes in chunks, like peanut brittle.
- Sisi Pelebe, or Nigerian groundnut candy, is also made with sugar but without water, which explains its chewier texture rather than crunchy. And it uses coarsely ground, roasted peanuts instead of whole peanuts.
- Nut Swap – You can always replace the peanuts with your favorite nuts, such as almonds, pecan, walnut, cashew, macadamia, and hazelnut.
Tips and Tricks
- You can also roast the peanuts on a stovetop. Roast them in a skillet on medium heat, occasionally stirring, for about 5-10 minutes or until the peanuts become aromatic. They will be crunchy once cooled.
- Add about half a teaspoon of salt for better flavor. You’ll love the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can roast the peanuts a day ahead, but you’ll risk munching them before coating them with these fantastic sugar and spice mixture. It happens to me almost every time. LOL. So, I say reserve some in an airtight container just to be sure.
Serving and Storage Instructions
You can add these sugar peanuts to your salad, like Sweet Potato Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or Southern Chicken Salad, for added flavor and texture. Or use them as decorative pieces for celebration cakes, such as Italian Cream Cake and Moist Banana Cake.
You can store candied nuts in an airtight container for one week at room temperature. Or keep it in the fridge to prolong its shelf life for up to three weeks.
FAQs
What is the difference between peanuts and groundnuts?
They’re almost the same because they’re both in the pea family, and both grow under the ground. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) come in several varieties, including Spanish, Virginia, runner, and Valencia, and are more common in the Americas. Groundnuts (Vigna subterranea) are more commonly used in West Africa. The flavor is similar, and you can use them interchangeably.
Why are my candied nuts soft?
Warm melted sugar tends to be soft and chewy but will harden once cooled. Allow the candied nuts to cool completely, uncovered, before serving to enjoy them crunchy. Covering them will cause condensation and moisture softening your sweet peanut treats.
Is eating groundnuts good for you?
Absolutely! They are an excellent source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B, all essential to our health. Peanuts also contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber that aid in lowering the risk of heart disease, regulating blood glucose levels, improving bowel movement, and controlling appetite.
What to Serve with Candied Nuts
Not only is it a great snack, but it also gives salads a delightfully sweet and salty crunch.