Peanut oil



Characteristics

  • Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
  • Botanical Family: Fabaceae
  • Origin (country where the vegetable oil is grown): China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam
  • Part of plant: Seed (groundnut)
  • Oxidative potential: Not very sensitive

Organoleptic properties

Botanical and organoleptic characteristics may vary according to production conditions (country, sun, organic production, etc.).

Industrial peanut oil is usually hot extracted with a chemical solvent, then deodorised and bleached.

Organic, cold-pressed peanut oil is more expensive to produce.

However, we recommend this option.

  • Colour: pale yellow
  • Odour: subtle
  • Texture: light, penetrating
  • Flavour: fragrant, characteristic of peanuts

Fatty acid composition

The composition of vegetable oils is strongly influenced by the conditions under which they are produced.

In order to guarantee its quality, it is advisable to choose an extra virgin oil obtained by cold pressing, preferably of organic origin.

Monounsaturated fatty acids:

  • 43% to 55% oleic acid (omega 9)

Polyunsaturated AG:

  • 30% to 32% linoleic acid (omega 6)

Saturated fatty acids

  • 8% to 10% palmitic acid
  • 2% to 4% stearic acid
  • 1% to 2% arachidic acid
  • 2% to 3% behenic acid

Other active ingredients:

  • Vitamin E, unsaponifiables (phytosterols, tocopherols, squalenes), magnesium and resveratrol.
  • Other ingredients: Vegetable proteins

Nutritional aspect

Peanut oil is one of the few virgin oils that can be used for high temperature cooking.

Its high omega-9 content also helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

As an oilseed, peanuts are high in vegetable protein.

Advantages

  • Normalises blood sugar levels
  • Regulates digestive disorders
  • Intestinal astringent
  • Prevents cardiovascular disease 
  • Protects against certain forms of breast cancer

Indications

Precautionary measures

As a precaution, people allergic to peanuts and tree nuts should not use this oil orally or on the skin.

It is also not recommended for use by children or during pregnancy.

Highly stable, groundnut oil can be used for high-temperature cooking, particularly frying.

Note that its smoke point is lower if the oil is virgin (which is preferable), i.e. unrefined.

It does not require any special storage measures (at room temperature).

On the other hand, it is advisable to keep it away from light.