Are Peanuts Peas or Nuts? Simple Science for Everyone
Are peanuts peas or nuts? Get to know what a peanut is, the reasons why it grows under the ground, and how it is similar to peas and nuts.
Peanuts are the favorite of the world. They are consumed roasted, salted, boiled and even as peanut butter by people. Another question, however, always arises:
Are peanuts peas or nuts?
This is the most puzzling question to many, since the word pea-nuts is a blend of the two. There are people who consider peanuts as nuts. Others believe that they are pea family members. The fact is quite intriguing.
It is an easy and simple article in which you are going to find out what the peanuts are actually, how they grow, and why people are confused.
What Exactly Are Peanuts?
The correct answer is:
Peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes.
Legumes refer to a group of plant families, which comprise peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Thus, peanuts are related much more to peas than to nuts. Although the name is nut, the peanuts do not grow like nuts. We will get to know about the difference.
Also Read: The Best Time to Eat Dry Fruits to Lose Weight
Why Peanuts Are Not Real Nuts
The real nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews are trees. They remain in a shell of hardness and they grow over the earth. Yet peanuts do not grow on trees, they grow on the ground. The difference with peanuts is the following:
They grow underground
The peanut flower descends into the ground and develops a pod in the ground.
They have a soft shell
The shell of the peanut is not very tough like the tree nuts.
They are members of the family Legumace
Just like peas and beans.
Their plant is a small bush
Not a tall tree. It is on these grounds that peanuts are not tree nuts. It is Not So Much that Peanuts are Peas.
So, are they peas?
Not exactly.
Yes, they are of the same family with the peas, but not peas. Peas begin to grow in pods which are above the ground. Peas are round, small, and soft. They are also different in their harvesting.
The peanuts are different, they have a different taste and they grow underground and this makes them a special kind of legume.
So the final answer:
Peanuts are not peas, they are the legume (member of the family of peas).
Peanuts vs Peas vs Nuts
The following is a simple comparison to make sure that you do not get confused again:
| Feature | Peanuts | Peas | Tree Nuts |
| Family | Legume | Legume | Nut |
| Grows | Underground | In pods above the ground | On trees |
| Shape | Oval seeds | Round seeds | Hard-shelled seeds |
| Common Examples | Peanut | Green peas | Almond, walnut, pistachio |
You can see, based on this table, that peanuts are more related to peas than nuts but, nevertheless, they also belong to the legume family.
Benefits of Eating Peanuts
The following are the health benefits of peanuts in large quantities:
1. High in Protein
Protein aids in the development of your muscles and makes you active.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
Peanuts will make your stomach full and minimize hunger.
3. Good for Heart Health
Healthy fats contained in peanuts reduce bad cholesterol.
4. Boosts Energy
Peanuts provide fast and protracted energy.
5. Supports Brain Function
Peanuts contain vitamin E which is healthy for the brain.
Are all people safe to use peanuts?
Most people do not have an allergy to peanuts, although there are some individuals who are allergic to peanuts. The allergic reaction of peanuts can be severe. People should avoid peanuts in case they are allergic. However, considering that you are not allergic, peanuts are an ideal source of cheap and abundant protein and energy.
Peanuts in Daily Diet: How Much You Should Eat.
One should not eat a lot of peanuts as it is rich in calories.
Safe daily amount:
1 small handful (about 20–25 peanuts)
or
1 pkg. of low fat peanut butter
Final Answer in One Line
Peanuts are not real nuts and neither are they peas. They belong to the pea family which is a special part of legumes.
