What makes peanuts a legume

Before you purchase a pound sack of peanuts, though, it's a good idea to inspect a few for quality. The legume's shells should be free of cracks, dark spots, and holes, and the shells should not make a rattling noise. The sound suggests that the peanuts have dried out and their taste has been compromised. Is a Peanut a Legume? Why Vegetarians Love Peanuts Vegetarians and vegans are huge fans of peanuts. Versatility When it comes to versatility, peanuts can't be beat. Health Benefits of Peanuts Vegetarians are well aware that peanuts are an outstanding protein source.

The popular legumes also contain a host of other nutrients, such as: Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin B6 Folate Magnesium Zinc Iron Calcium Dietary fiber The plant-based protein featured in peanuts is especially attractive to vegans and vegetarians; however, you can have too much of a good thing. Peanut Buying Tips Now that you've learned the answer to "Is a peanut a legume? How to Make Your Peanuts Grow. By Kathleen Roberts. Are Raw Peanuts Dangerous to Eat?

By Jeanne Grunert. Is a Cashew a Legume? Simply Explained. Are peanuts good for weight loss? When eaten in controlled amounts, peanuts can keep you full longer. They are also rich in protein and fiber. What type of food is peanut? Is it healthy to eat peanuts? They're also rich in a wide array of nutrients, including folate, vitamins E and B6, zinc, calcium, iron and more. Can I grow peanuts? In the United States, the Department of Agriculture carefully monitors peanut production and halts the process for any peanuts with unsafe levels of aflatoxin.

Sources Asaf, Beth. The Peanut Institute. Cite This! Try Our Crossword Puzzle! What Is the Missing Number? Try Our Sudoku Puzzles! More Awesome Stuff. Preparing for the holidays?

Even though "nut" is in its name, a peanut is actually a legume. Like soybeans, lentils, and other legumes, peanuts are edible seeds that grow in pods. Still, most people think of them as nuts, along with tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. Unlike other legumes, which grow on vines or shrubs, peanuts grow underground. Nutritionally speaking, peanuts and tree nuts are fairly similar: they're all rich in healthy unsaturated fats and fiber, as well as several vitamins and minerals.

Numerous studies suggest that people who eat peanuts or tree nuts frequently have lower rates of heart disease compared with people who rarely eat them. One added bonus for peanuts: they're not as pricey as tree nuts, making them a more affordable addition to your daily menu. Spread it on whole-grain bread, topped with thinly sliced apple or banana instead of jelly or jam. You can also use peanut butter to make peanut sauce to drizzle on steamed broccoli or other vegetables.

Try adding chopped, roasted peanuts to a stir-fry, or just enjoy a small handful of unsalted peanuts as a snack. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.