We call them nuts, but like all peanuts, Valencia peanuts are legumes, more closely related to peas and beans with one important difference: they grow beneath the ground.
Valencias are smaller, sweeter and have more intense flavor than other varieties of peanuts. They have three to five kernels in each shell and are grown almost exclusively in eastern New Mexico. In fact 90% of the Valencia peanuts produced in the US are grown within 120 miles of Sunland’s plant, the wonderful people that make our PB.
Peanuts are 26% protein. Higher than eggs, dairy products, and many cuts of meat and fish. They are so high in protein, in fact, that they are included in the meat group of the four basic food groups.
Peanuts provide quick energy from fat and carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin E, phosphorous and magnesium.
Peanuts contain high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have generally been shown to help reduce blood cholesterol levels. One small ounce of peanuts pack two BIG grams of fiber. Both soluble and insoluble fiber have been shown to prevent some forms of cancer. Peanuts have no cholesterol and are an economical source of protein.