That is a great question, because not all peanuts are created equal! Did you know that there are 4 different types of peanuts? At FERIDIES, we specialize in the Virginia-type peanut, but you may be more familiar with Runners, which are used to make peanut butter and candy bars.

4 Types of Peanuts

• Virginia-type peanuts are known for their large size and crunchy texture and have been referred to as "the peanut of the gourmet." Virginia peanuts have the largest kernels and are popular for roasting-in-the-shell. Virginias are most often grown in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
• Spanish-type peanuts have small kernels covered with reddish-brown skin and are used mostly in peanut candies, snack nuts and peanut butter. They are often crushed for peanut oil since they have a higher oil content than other peanuts. Spanish peanuts are usually grown in Texas and Oklahoma.
• The Valencia variety usually has three or more small kernels to a pod, each covered in a bright-red skin. These peanuts have a sweet flavor, and they are most often roasted and sold in-the-shell or boiled. Valencias are most commonly grown in New Mexico.
• Runners are the most well-known and consumed peanuts. Over 50% of the Runner variety are used for peanut butter and the rest are used in candy and snacks. They are known for their consistent, medium kernel size. They are primarily produced in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma.

Although many think of peanuts as nuts that grow on trees, they are actually "legumes" like peas. A "seed peanut" is planted in May to form a small green plant about 18" tall. The peanut plant produces yellow flowers, which pollinate themselves. They form "pegs" which begin to grow away from the plant. The pegs form a stem and push into the ground where the peanuts will form and grow. Peanuts are harvested between September and October which allows them four to five months to fully mature. The weather conditions during this time (i.e., too much rain or too little rain) have an impact on the quality of the crop. One peanut plant produces about 40 peanuts. The peanuts are then dug out of the ground and left in the sun to dry for two or three days. A combine is used to separate the peanuts from the vines. The peanut farmer sells the peanuts to shellers. who clean and grade the raw nuts before selling them to companies like FERIDIES.

So what makes FERIDIES® Virginia Peanuts so delicious? At FERIDIES®, we select the largest 2% of the crop each year - the super, extra-large Virginia-type peanut. We gently roast them in small batches by hand in pure peanut oil to keep them cholesterol free, to preserve their natural peanut taste and to maintain their healthy qualities. No artificial preservatives are added.

In addition, to our delicious gourmet Virginia peanuts, we offer peanut candies, cashews, pistachios, almonds, mixed nuts, trail mixes and other specialty gourmet foods. In 2014, our Salted, Unsalted, Redskin, Hot & Spicy and Honey Roasted Virginia Peanuts were confirmed as Non-GMO Project Verified as well as our Cashews. In 2015, our Salted Pistachios, Salted Almonds and All Natural Cajun Virginia Peanuts were confirmed as Non-GMO Project Verified. We believe our packaging is upscale and makes a worthy gift. You will find several gift creations to choose from in a variety of price ranges or you can create your own. There is something for everyone on your gift list and to satisfy your own peanut cravings!

Our most important priorities are food safety, quality and exceptional customer service. We want your shopping experience to be easy, convenient, informational and affordable.

Fresh peanuts are the BEST peanuts! The sooner you eat them, the better they will taste. As time passes, they will gradually lose their crunchiness and superb taste. There is no magic expiration date. To maintain the best eating quality, store peanuts in a cool, dry place at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Peanuts keep fresh indefinitely if stored in a tightly closed container in the freezer. Our recommended and approximate shelf life time frames are listed below:

Shelf Life of Peanuts

Peanuts are GOOD FOR YOU! Research shows that peanuts are a wise food choice for several reasons:

• Peanuts are high in protein providing 12% of the Recommended Daily Allowances per serving (one ounce or about 25 peanuts).
• Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free.
• Each 1 oz serving of peanuts contain 2.4 grams of dietary fiber, which helps reduce the risk of some types of cancer, helps the digestive system, and helps control blood sugar levels.
• Peanuts contain phytosterols, which are plant chemicals, believed to inhibit cancer growth.
• Peanuts contain 6 essential vitamins including vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, thiamin, B6 and riboflavin. Peanuts are also rich in 7 essential minerals including copper, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and calcium - which may have a protective effect for coronary heart disease.
• Peanuts are an excellent source of the "good" fat, mono-unsaturated, which helps to lower our cholesterol. Research has shown that monounsaturated fats lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol in our blood while raising the HDL (good) cholesterol in our blood. This decreases our risks of heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
• Peanuts are an excellent source of resveratrol, best known for its occurrence in red wine. Research shows that resveratrol may protect against arteriosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and cancer by lowering cholesterol plaque and platelet accumulation in the arteries and by preventing the growth of damaged cells in the body. The average amount of resveratrol in one ounce of peanuts is about the same as 6 cups (or 2 pounds) of grapes.
  
• Studies at Penn State University, Harvard University and Purdue University concluded that weight-loss plans including peanuts were more satisfying and led to greater rates of successful weight-loss than other plans.
  
• Research at Harvard University suggests that women eating the equivalent of a handful of nuts or one tablespoon of peanut butter at least five times a week are more than 20% less likely to develop adult-onset or type 2 diabetes than those who rarely or never ate those products. Nuts contain fiber and magnesium, which help maintain balanced insulin and glucose levels. Insulin helps the body convert sugar into energy. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin.
  
• Peanuts help fight depression. Peanuts contain tryptophan, which aids the release of serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone. The next time you are feeling down, try eating some peanuts.
  
• Peanuts may lower the risk of gallstones.
  
• Peanuts are an excellent source of folic acid, which has been shown to reduce birth defects when taken by mothers prior to conception and during the early stages of pregnancy.

To learn more about the healthy benefits of peanuts, we are happy to share the links to a couple of articles we think you will find very interesting. Don't just take our word for it - PEANUTS ARE GOOD FOR YOU - and the experts agree:

• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=101
  
• https://www.stack.com/a/are-peanuts-healthy
  
• https://10faq.com/health/health-benefits-of-peanuts/
• http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Markets/Green-machines-nutritional-dynamos-10-surprising-peanut-facts
  
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635
  

For more information on peanuts and research studies, log onto The Peanut Institute website at peanut-institute.com, or The American Peanut Council at www.peanutsusa.com, or call 1-888-8PEANUT.