Arachis hypogaea

Peanut is an annual bushy plant from the legume family (Fabaceae). Its stem can be upright or prostrate, and it can grow up to 70 cm in height.

The word "kikiriki" comes from the Italian phrase chicchi ricchi, which literally translates to "rich beans." The species name hypogaea comes from Greek and indicates that its fruits grow underground - hypo meaning under, gaea meaning earth.

Peanuts are naturally distributed in South and Central America, and they are mostly cultivated in Mediterranean countries with warm climates.

The fruits develop underground, and each plant produces around forty rough pods containing usually two to four seeds covered with a thin reddish-brown skin.

Peanuts are a high-fat seed consisting mainly of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Peanuts contain low carbohydrates, making them an excellent dietary choice for people with diabetes.

Peanuts are an excellent source of various B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, B9, and pantothenic acid) and minerals (potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc) that play important roles in the human body.

The protein content in peanuts ranges from 22 to 30% of total calories, making peanuts an excellent source of plant protein. The predominant proteins in peanuts, arachin and conarachin, can be serious allergens and may cause quite serious, sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions in some people.

Peanuts have versatile applications in culinary and food industries. Due to their high protein content, they are processed into various forms - butter, flour, and oil.

Raw peanuts are a popular addition in Asian cuisine, where they are used as part of soups, sauces, and salads. Finely chopped peanuts can also serve as a garnish for desserts, porridge, or smoothies.