Peanut (also called GROUNDNUT, EARTHNUT, OR GOOBER) is the common name for an annual warm-season plant of the legume family, growing about 60 cm tall, and for its seeds.
Originating in South America, likely in Brazil, peanuts have been cultivated since ancient times by Native Americans. They were early introduced into the Old World tropics, with India, China, West Africa, and the U.S. emerging as the largest commercial producers.
Peanut cultivation necessitates at least five months of warm weather with rainfall (or irrigation equivalent) of 600 mm or more during the growing season. In Asia, peanuts are commonly grown under irrigation. Primarily grown for its edible oil, except in the U.S. where it is ground into peanut butter (comprising half the harvested crop), roasted, salted nuts, and used in candy and bakery products. A small percentage of the U.S. crop is crushed for oil extraction.
In addition to being nutritious and high in energy, protein, and minerals, peanuts are an excellent source of B vitamins. Their seeds contain 40 to 50 percent oil and 20 to 30 percent protein, underscoring their significance in global agriculture and food production.