Groundnut Kernels

The peanut or groundnut (Arachishypogaea) is a legume of Fabaceae family. The peanut plant grows to 30 to 50 cm in height. Upon pollination, the flower stalk elongates to push the ovary underground in a natural process called Geocarpy which is common to the legume family. Under the earth, hard-shelled peanut fruits are born that are usually 3 to 7 cm long and contain one to four peanuts. Peanuts are usually oblong to nearly round in shape and are covered by seed coats which are red, purple, or whitish in colour. The peanut fruits also function as roots for the plant, where they absorb minerals from the soil. Peanut contains more protein, minerals, and vitamins per gram than any other edible nut.