Peanuts - the only nut that is dug from the ground, and not torn from a tree

Nuts are our favorite delicacy and a constant component of many confectionery products. Most of these tasty and wholesome foods grow on trees: cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts. But peanuts did not choose trees and bushes for themselves at all, but the land.

Another name for peanuts - peanuts - perfectly reflects the characteristics of the growth of this valuable agricultural crop. Peanuts are an annual heat-loving plant in the legume family that is grown in the fields. For optimal growth and development, a temperature of about +25 degrees Celsius is needed. From planting seeds to harvesting takes 3-4 months.

Peanuts blooms with nondescript yellow flowers, similar in shape to pea flowers. After fertilization, the leg on which the ovary is located begins to grow rapidly and sinks into the soil. Well, the further development of the fetus occurs already underground. When it comes time to harvest, peanuts are dug from the ground, and it looks like this.

This valuable product contains many useful components: B vitamins, vitamin C, E, choline, 20 types of amino acids, 12 of which are irreplaceable. In addition, peanuts are a very nutritious crop: they contain about 50% fat and about 25% protein.

The homeland of peanuts is South America, from where the Spaniards brought valuable culture to Europe. Well, then an unpretentious plant, not demanding on moisture and soil quality, firmly established throughout the world. Today, peanut cultivation is an important agricultural sector in Asia, Africa and America. The leading positions in the production of peanuts are held by China and Senegal, which is even called the peanut republic. Peanuts are also grown in the southern regions of Russia, and some gardening enthusiasts even manage to get this nut in their personal plots.

Peanuts are no less popular in the USA, where they make a favorite American delicacy - peanut paste. But lately, delicious pasta has fallen out of favor with nutritionists. It's all about the excessive calorie content of the product and its excessive consumption. Peanut butter in the USA is a national dish. Pasta spread on bread is an invariable component of every meal in most American families. Her children are especially fond of.

Peanut butter is also popular in Europe and in our country. But this dish has a very high calorie content, which, depending on the recipe, ranges from 560 to 600 kcal. For comparison, the calorie content of milk chocolate is from 450 to 550 kcal, and the chocolate cake "Prague" is about 400 kcal. Therefore, despite the obvious benefits of peanuts, experts advise you to eat your favorite dish in limited quantities.