Maní

Maní, or peanut, is the edible seed of the plant Arachis hypogaea, a legume cultivated for its oily seeds. The plant is an annual herb with erect or sprawling stems; its yellow flowers form above ground, but after fertilization the pegs elongate and grow into the soil, where the pods mature underground. Each pod typically contains two to four seeds.

Peanuts are grown in warm, well-drained tropical and subtropical regions. Major producers include China, India, Nigeria, the United States, Sudan, and Argentina. The crop is valued not only for its edible seeds but also for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which can improve soil fertility in rotating systems. Market classes include Virginia, Spanish, Valencia, and Runner, which differ in size, shape, and flavor.

Uses and processing: peanuts are eaten roasted or raw, salted or flavored, and are a key ingredient in products such as peanut butter, confectionery, and peanut oil. The meal left after oil extraction is used as animal feed and some specialty foods. Nutritionally, peanuts are high in energy and protein, with a substantial fat content, and provide minerals and vitamins.

Health and safety: peanut is a common allergen and can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Improper storage in warm, humid conditions can lead to mold growth and aflatoxin contamination, so drying and moisture control are important during processing and storage.

History: peanut domestication occurred in South America, with long-standing use in pre-Columbian cultures. It later spread globally through trade and agriculture.