Maapähleid

Maapähleid, scientifically known as Arachis hypogaea, are legumes that are native to South America. Despite their name, they are not true nuts but rather members of the pea family. They grow underground, a characteristic that gives them their scientific name, with "arachis" meaning "groundnut" and "hypogaea" meaning "underground." The plant produces yellow flowers that, after pollination, bend down and push their developing pods into the soil to mature.

Maapähleid are cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with major producers including China, India, and the United States. They are a significant source of nutrition, rich in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals such as niacin, folate, and vitamin E. Their versatility makes them a popular food ingredient.

They can be consumed in many forms: raw, roasted, boiled, or as peanut butter. Peanut butter, a paste made from ground roasted maapähleid, is a staple in many cuisines and is widely used in sandwiches, baked goods, and sauces. Maapähleid oil is also extracted and used for cooking and in the production of various food products. In addition to culinary uses, maapähleid are also used to produce maapähleid butter, which is used as a source of protein for livestock.