A peanut (also known as groundnut or Arachis hypogaea) is a leguminous plant and its edible seed. Despite its name, the peanut is not a true nut, but rather a legume, which means it belongs to the same family as beans and lentils. Here's a detailed description:
General Characteristics:
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Plant: Peanuts grow on a small bush-like plant that typically reaches about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) in height. After flowering, the plant produces underground pods, where the seeds (peanuts) develop.
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Pod and Seed: The peanut’s seeds grow inside a soft, beige-colored shell or pod, usually containing two seeds per pod. When harvested, the shells are removed to reveal the edible peanuts inside, which are typically light brown with a thin, papery skin.
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Appearance: Raw peanuts have a smooth, slightly wrinkled texture. The seeds can be consumed in various forms, such as raw, roasted, or processed into peanut butter.
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Taste: Raw peanuts have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, but when roasted, they develop a more intense, nutty flavor. The taste can vary based on how they are processed (e.g., salted, sweetened, or seasoned).