Vaalharts Valley Groundnut's
Groundnut/Peanut
Scientific classification:
The peanut belongs to the subfamily Papilionoideae, family Fabaceae (formerly
Leguminosae). It is classified as Arachis hypogaea
Description:
Peanut, is the common name for an annual warm-season plant of the legume
family, and for its seeds. Peanuts originated in South America, probably in
Brazil, and have been cultivated since ancient times by Native Americans.
Plants grow about 75 cm (about 30 in) tall and can spread 1.2 m (4 ft). Some
types develop a bunchy erect growth; others, called runners, spread over the
ground.
Many types of peanuts exist, and both large- and small-seeded kinds are grown
Large-seeded varieties are used for roasting and confections, and
small-seeded types are used for peanut butter and oil. After peanuts are
harvested, the plants are used as forage for livestock.
Climate:
Peanuts require sunshine, a warm growing season of 120 to 140 days, and
moderate rainfall. They do best on well-drained sandy soils; dark soils tend to
stain the shells. The warm sunny weather of the Vaalharts region is ideal for the
cultivation of a high standard of peanuts.The most part of the region consist of
well drained sandy soils which make it possible for the cultivation of
peanuts.Peanuts are one of the major products of the Vaalharts valley
Health:
Peanuts are nutritious and high in energy. The seeds contain 40 to 50 percent
oil and 20 to 30 percent protein, and they are an excellent source of B vitamins.
Peanut oil is also popular as a high-quality salad and cooking oil and is
commonly used in margarine.
China, India, and the United States are major production countries and the
cultivation in these countries influence the the price in the world market..