Peanut Oils

A Brief Introduction

Peanut oil, also called by the name of arachis oil or groundnut oil, is an edible vegetable oil extracted from peanuts. A widely used cooking oil in South Asian and Southeast countries, it is also popular in the western world. This all-purpose oil is known for its distinctive aroma, mild flavour and taste of its parent legume. Its high heat tolerance and high smoke point 450 degrees F (232.22 C), make it suitable for deep-frying and sauteing. Peanut oil is also a healthy oil for everyday use because it is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.

Peanut Oil Composition

Peanut oil is about 50 percent monounsaturated and 30 percent polyunsaturated. Its major constituents are:

Palmitic Acid

Oleic Acid

Linoleic Acid

Arachidic Acid

Arachidonic Acid

Behenic Acid

Lignoceric Acid

Other Fatty Acids.

Culinary Uses

Peanut oil is one of the widely used vegetable oils of the world. A pretty common cooking oil in Asian countries, this oil is also used in western countries. It also has numerous  applications in Asian cooking. In west, it is widely used for frying foods, particularly french fries, turkey and chicken. This edible oil is often used in salad dressings, marinades, and baked goods.

It is the most widely used cooking oil in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the healthiest cooking oils for day to day needs and a tablespoon (approximately 15 grams) of peanut oil has just under 120 calories. In China, the peanut oil used is less refined, retaining a little bit more of the protein of the peanut and producing a stronger peanut flavor.

Other Specifications of Peanut Oil or Groundnut Oil