Boiled peanuts

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Boiled peanuts are popular in many places where peanuts are common. Fully mature peanuts do not make good quality boiled peanuts; rather raw or "green" ones are used. "Raw" denotes peanuts in a semi-mature state, having achieved full size, but not being fully dried, as would be needed for roasting or peanut butter use. After boiling they take on a strong salty taste and become softer with the length of cooking, somewhat resembling a pea or bean, to which they are related. The most flavorful peanuts for boiling, are the Valencia type. These are preferred in the United States, being grown in gardens and small patches throughout the South. Green Virginia type peanuts are also sometimes used - these do have larger kernals, but not as good a flavor.

Boiling peanuts has been a folk cultural practice in the south of the US since the 19th century, where they were originally called goober peas. In late August, when the peanut crops would come in, unsold and surplus peanuts would be prepared in a boiling, and extended families and neighbors would gather to share conversation and food. Like a fish fry, peanut boils have been organizing principles for social gatherings. Like okra, black-eyed peas, collard greens and pork barbecue, boiled peanuts are symbols of southern culture and cuisine.

1 Cooking
2 International appreciation
3 Legislation
4 External links

[edit] Cooking

Raw peanuts in the shell are put in a large pot of very heavily salted water and boiled. The boil can go on for two to four hours, depending on quantity, and the boilings will most often be of several gallons of water. Flavorings such as hot sauce or beer can be added to the boil.

The resulting food is a very soft peanut in the shell, invariably quite salty. The softened peanuts are easy to open. Oftentimes small, immature peanuts (called "pops") are included, which have even softer shells and can be eaten in entirety. These tend to absorb more salt than the larger ones.

Uneaten peanuts should be stored in a refrigerator, as they can become slimy or moldy quite quickly without refrigeration. Boiled peanuts can be frozen, and later reheated in a microwave for out of season consumption.

Given their saltiness, high protein content, and ease of storage, boiled peanuts are an excellent food for very hot weather and outdoor work.

[edit] International appreciation

In the Philippines and Indonesia, boiled peanuts are eaten as street food.
In the United States, boiled peanuts are occasionally abbreviated as "BP"'s, and are popular in southern coastal states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Often, they are sold in season in roadside concession stands, produce stands, at festivals, and in convenience stores. People in the south are also known to call them "Bawled Peanuts" and put them into sodas.
In China boiled peanuts accompany beer in the summertime.
In Australia, especially Queensland, many consider them the State's unofficial snackfood.