Our growers are committed to
producing the highest quality, best tasting peanuts in the
world by striving to be innovative marketers and a flexible
and unifying force within the USA peanut industry. Consumers
throughout the world are concerned about consistently obtaining
flavorful, wholesome peanuts that are uniform in size and free
from foreign material and contamination. The USA peanut industry
continues to invest heavily in plant modernization and the
latest designs in automated cleaning, shelling, testing, and
sorting equipment to ensure that all buyers receive the best
possible product. U.S. government inspectors monitor processing
at each stage of the peanut’s journey from the farm to
the manufacturer or to the grocery shelf.
Peanut Standards Board
The 2002 Farm Bill established a Peanut Standards Board, which
is comprised of 18 members -- three producers and three industry
representatives from each of the three producing regions: Southeast
(Alabama, Georgia, and Florida); Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma,
and New Mexico); and Virginia-Carolina (North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Virginia), The Board advises the Secretary of
Agriculture regarding the establishment of quality and handling
standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. One
of its many provisions requires that all peanuts marketed in
the United States be officially inspected and graded by federal
inspectors or federally licensed state inspectors. These
inspectors supervise, inspect and grade peanuts from delivery
at buying points to shipment from shelling plants.
Strictly enforced government regulations ensure that all USA-grown
peanuts are of consistently high quality. In addition, comprehensive
lot identification systems enable peanuts to be tracked throughout
the various stages of processing until final delivery to a
domestic processor or export customer. The U.S. peanut industry
is committed to providing the highest quality peanuts in the
world. Toward this end, there are testing procedures throughout
the shelling process. These tests enable producers to meet
the stringent specifications of their customers as well as
the U.S. government standards.
Research Improves Yield and Quality
Due to the emphasis on production of edible peanuts,
both the government and the industry allocate a considerable
amount of time and money to peanut research to produce a
high-quality food item. The focus of the research includes
seed breeding for higher yields, higher quality, lower levels
or no aflatoxin, better flavor and shelf life, more disease
resistance, and mitigation of allergenic reaction.
Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Peanut Oil & Peanut Flour
Runner Peanuts — Grown primarily in
Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Oklahoma, this market type accounts
for nearly 80% of the peanuts produced in the United States. Its uniform kernel
size allows for even roasting and is most commonly used for the manufacture
of peanut butter.
Spanish Peanuts —
Often referred to as "red skins" because of its distinctive
reddish brown seed coat, this type has smaller sized kernels
and is used for a variety of cuisine. Its reputation
of having the "nuttiest"' flavor when roasted, is
due to its higher oil content. Typically grown in Oklahoma
and Texas, they account for 4% of the United States peanut
market.
Valencia Peanuts —
Perhaps the sweetest of all market types, the Valencia is distinguished
by having typically three or more kernels to the shell. Usually
roasted and sold in their shells, these peanuts are grown
almost exclusively in New Mexico. It is also a popular peanut
used for all-natural peanut butter.
Virginia Peanuts —-
The largest peanut of the four types produced in the United
States is often referred to as the "ball-park" peanut. Due
to its large kernel size, the Virginia type is commonly used
as a gourmet snack as well. The most common type grown
in Virginia and the Carolinas, they represent about 15% of
U.S. peanut production.
Peanut Butter —
Chose from roasted original favorites or a myriad of new sweet
and savory flavors. All forms are cholesterol and trans fat-free.
Peanut butter is great on its own or as a wonderful addition
to a variety of recipes — from desserts to beverages
to main courses.
Refined Peanut Oil —-
Naturally trans-fat free, with no cholesterol and allergen-free
(due to extensive processing that removes the protein allergen),
this popular oil is ideal for frying applications. It does
not absorb food flavors and has a high smoke point of 450 degrees
F making it very durable. It's been the preferred frying oil
for numerous restaurants for many years due to its healthful
profile, pleasant flavor enhancement, and long-lasting durability.
Cold Pressed Aromatic
Roasted Peanut Oil (Unrefined) — Retains a
rich, golden color and is a flavorful alternative to other
first processing oils. Naturally trans fat-free with no cholesterol.
Great choice for salad dressings, roasting vegetables and
the many other uses where you need a healthful oil.
Peanut Flour —
Defatted roasted peanut flour provides a lower-fat, gluten-free
boost to a variety of food items. It is a great source of
protein, upwards of 40 percent. This healthful flour is a
great thickener for soups, a flavorful and aromatic ingredient
for a variety of breads and pastries, as well as a creative
and flavorful coating for meats, fish and other center of
the plate proteins. |