Description
Groundnuts (Peanuts) are one of the most widely consumed and versatile crops in Nigeria, used in everything from snacks to traditional soups and oils.
Key Product Details
Product Type: Raw, Dried Groundnut Kernels (Peanuts).
Variety: Big Seed (Large Kernel Variety). This type is favoured for its crunchy texture and size, which makes it satisfying for snacking.
Packaging: Sold in bulk units, which may include:
Large Sacks/Bags (50\text{kg} or 100\text{kg} for wholesale).
“Paint Rubber” (3\text{kg} to 4\text{kg} buckets/containers).
Big Bottles (750\text{g} to 1\text{kg}) for roasted, peeled variants.
Primary State: Most commonly sold raw and shelled for cooking, or roasted and peeled for snacking.
Versatile Uses in Nigerian Cuisine
The big seed groundnut is a culinary workhorse:
Snacking: After being expertly roasted (with or without salt/spices), it is a favourite accompaniment to Garri (cassava flakes) or roasted plantain (Boli).
Soups and Stews: When ground into a coarse or smooth paste (Mi’yar Gyada in Hausa, Obe Epa in Yoruba), it forms the base for the rich, nutty, and savoury Groundnut Soup (Peanut Stew).
Snack Production: It is the primary ingredient for making local snacks like Kuli Kuli (groundnut cake) and Donkwa (spicy groundnut snack).
Oil Extraction: It can be pressed to extract high-quality, unrefined Groundnut Oil for cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
Groundnuts are highly valued for their dense nutritional content:
High Protein: An excellent source of plant-based protein (around 23\%-25\%), contributing to muscle maintenance and satiety.
Healthy Fats: Rich in heart-healthy Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats (around 45\%-52\% oil content).
Vitamins and Minerals: Contains essential micronutrients such as Vitamin E, Magnesium, Folate (B9), and Copper.
