8 Tasty Uses for Raw Redskin Peanuts

– by Stephanie Pope

8 Tasty Uses for Raw Redskin Peanuts

Raw Peanuts are for more than just peanut butter!

Often underappreciated, the raw redskin peanut is a surprisingly versatile legume! Yes, you read that right, peanuts aren’t actually nuts since they grow below ground. This also makes them more sustainable: they require much less water than their vogue cousin, almonds. Peanuts take 5 gallons an ounce compared to 80 gallons per ounce of almonds. Before we get into uses for the mighty peanut, let’s take a minute to discuss the health benefits of peanuts, something they don’t often get credit for. 

The skins of redskin peanuts are high in fiber and contain reservatrol, the same antioxidant found in red wine. Additionally, for the non-childbearing peanut lover there is evidence to support that peanuts help to prevent heart disease. With a single handful of peanuts a day, Virginia Peanuts provide essential minerals and vitamins that specifically target heart health. Another nice thing about raw peanuts is that compared to other healthy “nuts” they’re, well, cheaper. Harvard researchers found that peanuts are cheaper than any other heart healthy nut, allowing lower-income consumers to receive the heart health benefits of other, more expensive nuts. Sustainable and healthy, peanuts often don’t get the credit they deserve! To showcase the versatility of our favorite legume, we’ve put together a list of 8 tasty uses for raw redskin peanuts.

Before we get started, we should note that while all of Royal Oak’s peanuts are inspected by the USDA, they are still raw, and therefore may contain bacteria that if not cooked properly could cause illness. For your protection and enjoyment, always cook raw peanuts prior to consumption. According to a 2009 study by the USDA, roasting peanuts can also increase the amount of antioxidants in them, so it’s a win-win.

  1. Roast Them- Roast your own raw redskin peanuts for a delicious, healthy snack. Roasted peanuts can be used in any of the following suggestions, and make for a tasty snack all on their own. Add a little salt for standard use, or get creative with your spices for something more exciting. Here’s a simple recipe for roasting raw peanuts:
    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
    • Place your peanuts one layer deep in a shallow baking pan.
    • Roast for about 15-20 minutes, removing from the oven just before they’re done, as peanuts continue to cook as they cool.
    • Season to taste and enjoy!
    • CAUTION: THE PAN AND PEANUTS WILL BE VERY HOT!
  2. Create Your Own Healthy Peanut Butter- All you have to do is toss your freshly roasted peanuts in a food processor, add a little sweetness (honey tastes great) and salt as you see fit, and grind them up until they’re smooth (or chunky, if you prefer). Homemade peanut butter doesn’t have the added sugars or preservatives like the store bought stuff, plus it tastes amazing- you have to try it yourself.
  3. Add Some Protein to Your Favorite Salad- For a boost of healthy protein, add a handful of virginia peanuts to your favorite salad. Peanuts have more protein than any other nut!
  4. Peanut Hummus- We might have surprised you with this one, but we weren’t kidding when we said raw peanuts were versatile! Showing off the legume side of their nature, you can make delicious homemade peanut hummus. Follow the link to find a recipe for a cajun spiced hummus that will knock your socks off.
  5. Up the Protein Content of Soup- Just like with salad, toss a handful of roasted redskin peanuts into any soup for a boost of tasty protein. They’re especially good in Asian-inspired soups. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be soup. Making a dish of Pad Thai? Crush some peanuts and sprinkle them on top for that authentic Thai flavor.
  6. Make Your own Healthy Trail Mix- Leave out the candy and mix up your own trail mix with redskin peanuts, raisins, or any other dried fruits you like.
  7. Great in Granola- raw peanuts are great in homemade granola- just roast them with oats and add them to your favorite yogurt and you have a delicious, healthy breakfast. Here is one of our favorite peanut granola recipes.
  8. Backyard Buddies- Not only are they great as a human snack, raw redskin peanuts are great, nutritional snacks for birds and squirrels. Load your bird feeder with your leftover peanuts and make your neighborhood animals that much happier.

If you thought peanut butter was all you could use raw peanuts for, think again! Raw redskin peanuts can be used for so much more than we were able to include on this list. If you find a use for them you love, feel free to share it with us. In addition to growing them, we love to hear how our customers use Virginia Peanuts in their day-to-day lives, so feel free to reach out if you have ideas or are looking to purchase raw redskin peanuts for yourself. Shop for a wide range of peanut products, from raw virginia redskin peanuts to roasted Southern Heat Virginia Peanuts in the Hope and Harmony Farms online store.