Peanut Plant

Nuts & Seeds

The Peanut Plant, also known as the groundnut, is a legume crop that grows underground rather than on trees. Shown here with its roots, pods, and dried foliage intact, it’s an excellent example of how peanuts develop — with the pods forming below the soil surface after the plant flowers.

Quick Facts:

Botanical type: Legume (not a true nut)

Growth habit: Low, bushy annual that produces yellow flowers

Pod formation: After pollination, the flower stalk elongates and pushes the fertilized ovary underground, where the peanuts mature

Harvest season: Late summer to early fall

Health Benefits:

High in protein and healthy fats (monounsaturated & polyunsaturated)

Rich in niacin, vitamin E, and magnesium

Supports heart health and may help lower LDL cholesterol

Plant-based energy source — ideal for active lifestyles

Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, also found in grapes

Culinary Uses:

Raw or roasted peanuts: Snack or ingredient in baking and candy

Peanut butter: Ground paste form, popular worldwide

Culinary oils: Peanut oil used for high-heat frying

Traditional dishes: Common in Southeast Asian, African, and Southern U.S. cuisines

Peanut greens: Young leaves sometimes used in animal feed or compost