Peanut

The Latin name of peanuts, ’hypogaea’, means ‘underground’ and alludes to the fact that the young fruits bore into the ground, where they ripen. In this way, the fruits avoid being eaten by grazing animals.

The peanut is not actually a nut, despite what the name suggests. The plant is a legume that produces pods, so the peanut is a fruit — just like a single pea inside a pea pod.

Production

The peanut is native to South and Central America, but after being cultivated and improved, it is now widely grown around the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Peanut oil, in particular, is highly valued. 

In 2023, the world production of unshelled peanuts was 54 million tons. China is the world’s largest producer, producing 19.2 million tons annually.

Grow your own peanuts

You can grow your own peanuts in a pot on a windowsill. It is very entertaining to sow peanuts in a transparent pot and watch the pods develop beneath the surface of the soil.

Fact box:

• Greenhouse location: Tropican house
• Danish name: Peanut
• Latin name: Arachis hypogaea
• Family: Pea family / Fabaceae
• Natural habitat: South and Central America