Peanuts: Features and Uses

Peanuts are among the most popular and widely eaten nuts in Türkiye. They are enjoyed as a snack and used to make peanut butter, giving them a wide range of uses at the table. Their flavor and satisfying quality make them a popular choice, and in recent years many people have started making peanut butter at home. This guide explains how to select and store peanuts and use them in the kitchen.

How Are Peanuts Used in the Kitchen?

Roasted peanuts can be eaten as a snack or used to make peanut butter. They add a crunchy texture to desserts and some savory dishes. Peanut butter adds body and a distinct peanut flavor to sauces. Roasted and raw peanuts create different textures in recipes.

How Should You Choose and Store Peanuts?

When buying peanuts in the shell, check that the shells are intact and unspotted. If buying shelled peanuts, look for kernels that are yellow-beige and not broken or shriveled. Do not eat peanuts with dark spots or a moldy smell. Peanuts can mold quickly when exposed to moisture, so store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Peanuts kept in warm, humid conditions are more likely to turn rancid or grow mold; do not eat them if this happens. Refrigerating or freezing peanuts helps preserve their freshness longer than storing them at room temperature.

How Do You Make Peanut Butter at Home?

To make peanut butter, process roasted, unsalted peanuts in a food processor for a long time. For the first few minutes, the peanuts crumble like flour; as the processor keeps running, their natural oil is released and the mixture turns into a smooth butter. This can take a few minutes. Stop the processor occasionally and scrape down the sides. Add a little salt or honey if desired. Store the peanut butter in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for a few weeks. If the oil rises to the top of homemade peanut butter, stir it with a spoon before use.

Which Recipes Can Use Peanuts?

Peanuts are widely used in savory and sweet recipes. Add them to cookie and cake batter, or sprinkle them over salads for crunch. Peanut butter can be served with breakfast toast, blended into smoothies, or used in dessert sauces. For peanut sauces common in East Asian cuisines, mix peanut butter with soy sauce, garlic, and a small amount of hot pepper. Finely crushed peanuts can also be sprinkled over grilled chicken or vegetables for a crunchy texture.

What Is the Difference Between Roasted and Raw Peanuts?

Roasted peanuts have a more pronounced aroma and a crunchy texture that makes them a popular snack. Raw peanuts have a milder flavor and add a more balanced peanut aroma when used in recipes that will be cooked, such as sauces. To roast peanuts at home, cook them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly; peanuts roasted quickly over high heat may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Store both types in a cool cupboard rather than at room temperature.