Firm market for processed peanut kernels

Bold-size hand picked selected groundnut kernels, also known as edible nut or table nut, are usually in the company of other crunchy edible nuts such as cashew, pistachio and almond. The international market for premium selected kernels is large and concentrated mainly in developed economies, although in recent years emerging markets such as China and India are also consuming this premium product increasingly. To be sure, peanuts are nutritious and protein rich. Rising affluence and evolving lifestyles influence food habits. Urban lifestyles make snacking not only fashionable but also unavoidable. No wonder, the consumer market for edible nut has always remained solid and largely insulated from economic growth concerns.

peanut kernels

Selected peanut kernels - traditionally hand picked but now increasingly machine graded – lend themselves to value addition through processing. The simplest form of processed peanut is roasted peanut or a variant that is roasted and salted peanut. These are eternal favourites. Simple electrically- operated roasters are available in the market. The product shelf-life can be extended by gas (nitrogen) flushing of consumer packs or vacuum packing.

Coated peanuts

Coated peanuts are another category. Coating peanut kernels with different ingredients makes the snack interesting and appealing. Chocolate coating, honey coating and spice coating are popular. Peanut butter is another value-added product that has gained in popularity in the western world but is making inroads in Asian countries too. Although groundnut kernels have been traditionally used for extracting oil in India, consumption of selected and value-added kernels has been rising of late.

Gujarat is the principal State for production and consumption of processed peanut kernels. It must be free from aflatoxion (a known carcinogenic fungal infestation). Compliance with food safety and standards is critical. At the retail level, the product is priced more affordably than most other nuts which makes processed peanuts a favourite. In our country, chikki is a traditional peanut-based snack that enjoys a large market.