Peanuts are one of the most common snacks in India. Whether it is eating roasted peanuts in winters or salted peanuts while watching a cricket match, we all like it. But do you know that there are some interesting peanuts secrets hidden behind it?
You might have noticed in the market that there are two types of peanuts available – one with dark purple or black skin, and the other with light pink or reddish skin. Both belong to the same family, but there is a lot of difference in taste, nutrition and farming. Let us understand these secrets in detail.
Black vs White Peanuts – How to Identify
In the corner of the vegetable or grain market, you will see two baskets – one is selenium-rich black peanuts and the other is ordinary white/pink peanuts.
The seed coat of black peanuts ranges from deep purple to almost black, slightly shiny, as if it has a layer of wax on it. The shape is slightly slim and pointed at both ends, with a slight thickening in the middle. When you peel the skin, you find a milky white, firm and smooth kernel inside.
White peanuts have pink or light red skin, with fine lines on them. The shape is more round and oval, and the kernels have a slightly soft texture.
You can identify peanuts just by looking at their colour and shape – this is the first secret of peanuts.
Taste – Rich Flavour vs Simple Aroma
If you taste both types in a summer afternoon, you will clearly feel the difference.
Black peanuts taste mildly sweet in the beginning, a rich earthy aroma fills the mouth as soon as you chew them. The texture is soft and creamy, not grainy at all. After swallowing, the nutty flavour lingers in the throat, sometimes a fruity note is also found. This taste comes from their special soil and sunlight.
The taste of white peanuts is simple and direct – crisp peanut flavour, less sweetness, and a little astringent feel in the end. They are perfect for cooking and oil extraction as they retain their aroma.
Peanuts Secrets in Nutrition
Both are healthy, but black peanuts have slightly more powerful nutrients.
• Protein – 5% more crude protein than regular peanuts.
• Arginine – 23.9% more, which gives energy and strength to the body.
• Potassium & Zinc – 19% more potassium and 48% more zinc for immunity and body functions.
• Selenium – The biggest difference, 101% more selenium which works as an antioxidant and protects cells.
• Extra nutrients – 8 vitamins, 19 amino acids and melanin pigment.
White peanuts are also good for their antioxidants and healthy fats, especially their pink skin.
Farming Secrets – Why Black Peanuts Are Special
Black peanuts are not easy to grow. They require selenium-rich soil or specially formulated selenium fertilizers. Soil pH, moisture and nutrients have to be strictly controlled during farming.
White peanuts do not have many demands – they grow healthy if they get just normal soil, sunlight and water.
Price Difference – Why Black Peanuts Are More Expensive
Black peanut farming requires more effort and cost, so the market price is usually 20% higher. For quality lovers, it is worth it.
White peanuts are affordable and are a regular snack item in every home.
How to Enjoy Both Types Peanuts
Black peanuts are best for:
• Making peanut paste or butter.
• Decorating Indian sweets like kheer, halwa and laddu.
• Light roasting for a healthy snack.
The magic of white peanuts comes in:
• Boiled peanuts as a warm snack.
• Roasted with masala for chai-time.
• For crunch in Poha, upma, bhel puri.
• For adding flavour to curries and chutneys.
Buying Tips – Which one to choose
• Black peanuts – Dark purple/black skin, slim and pointed ends.
• White peanuts – Pink/reddish skin, oval round shape.
If you want nutrition and rich taste then go for black peanuts. If you want cooking and budget friendly option then white peanuts are perfect.
Peanuts Secrets for Health
Dono peanuts:
• Protein-rich (perfect for vegetarians).
• Provides healthy fats which are good for the heart.
• Minerals and fibres improve immunity and digestion.
Just moderation is important – a small handful is enough every day.
Conclusion – Both are best in their place
The biggest secret of peanuts is that none is best or worst. The taste and nutrition of black peanuts is of different levels, whereas white peanuts fit in every dish.
Next time if you go to the market, bring both – use black peanuts in breakfast or dessert, white peanuts in snacks and cooking. Both are gifts of the soil, which give both flavour and health to our food.
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