Shelled Groundnuts, Brand Name : RTC PRODUCTS NMH

Groundnut, or peanut (Arachis hypogaea), is an annual herbaceous legume grown for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein, oil, and other nutrients. A unique characteristic is that its pods develop and ripen underground, a trait that gives it the scientific name hypogaea, meaning "under the earth". Groundnuts are a major oilseed crop and can be eaten roasted, boiled, or processed into products like peanut oil and spreads.  

Plant and growth

Plant type: An annual herbaceous plant that grows 30 to 50 cm tall and belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). 

Growth habit: Can be "bunch" or "spreading" types. The leaves are alternate, and the plant grows up to 1.6 ft tall. 

Pollination: The plant is primarily self-pollinating. 

Pod development: After pollination, the ovary elongates into a "peg" (gynophore) that grows downward into the soil, where the fertilized ovules develop into pods containing 1 to 5 seeds. 

Climate: It thrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions and requires well-drained soil, but cannot tolerate frost or prolonged waterlogging. 

Nutritional value and uses

Nutritional powerhouse: The seeds are an excellent source of protein (about 25%) and oil (about 50%), along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Edible forms: Eaten roasted, boiled, or as a key ingredient in many dishes. 

Oil: Groundnut oil is a popular cooking oil with a high smoke point, often used for frying. 

Other uses: Residues are used for animal feed, and the plant is used in crop rotation to fix nitrogen in the soil. 

Cultivation and origin

Origin: Native to South America, it spread to other parts of the world over time. 

Major producers: China and India are the leading producers globally. 

Growing regions: Widely cultivated in tropical and warm regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. 

Soil and moisture: Grows best in sandy loam and loamy soils but is also grown in black soils with good drainage. It cannot stand severe drought or waterlogged soil.