Peanuts are a beloved snack and ingredient across the United States especially in the South. But when exactly are peanuts in season? Unlike many crops that can be grown year-round, peanuts have a defined growing and harvest season that impacts their availability and peak flavor.
Understanding Peanut Seasonality
The peanut growing season spans late spring through early fall in most peanut-producing regions Peanuts require warm soil temperatures between 65-70°F to germinate, so they are planted in April or May The plants take 120-140 days to fully mature and produce peanuts underground. This growth timeline means that peanut harvesting occurs in the fall when cooler temperatures halt maturation.
Specifically, peanuts are harvested from September through November in the main peanut-growing states like Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Mexico, and Virginia. So autumn is peak peanut season in the U.S.
During the fall harvest, farmers dig up the entire peanut plant, pick off the peanuts, and dry them for 1-2 weeks before sending them to be roasted or shelled. Only at this stage of maturity in the fall are the peanuts ready for eating.
Availability of Fresh-Picked Peanuts
The best time to get ultra-fresh peanuts is during the autumn harvest season. These freshly dug peanuts are known as “green peanuts” before they are dried and roasted. Green peanuts have a grassier, more vegetal taste and tender texture compared to peanuts eaten later in the year.
Farmers markets and roadside stands in the South will often sell green peanuts in September and October. You may also find them at specialty grocery stores for a short window during fall harvest. Enjoy green peanuts boiled or roasted as soon as possible after picking for peak flavor.
Buying Shelled and Roasted Peanuts
Thanks to drying and processing techniques, we can enjoy peanuts year-round once their shells are removed. Shelled roasted peanuts will last for months in the pantry. However, for the very best flavor and crunch, look for peanuts labeled with the current year’s harvest date when buying jarred or canned varieties.
The same goes for roasted peanuts still in the shell. Try to find freshly roasted peanuts from local farms during autumn harvest for a real seasonal treat. Or choose in-shell peanuts marked with a harvest date from the past couple months for optimal taste and quality when buying from the grocery store during other times of year.
Growing Peanuts at Home
Home gardeners in warm climates can even grow their own peanuts! Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep in April/May allowing 120+ days for the peanuts to develop underground. Harvest the plants when the leaves start yellowing in early fall. Freshly dug homegrown peanuts are a fun and educational garden crop to try.
Enjoy Peanuts at Their Seasonal Best
While peanut products are available year-round, there’s nothing quite like enjoying peanuts fresh off the farm during peak harvest season. Boiled green peanuts and roasted in-shell peanuts celebrate the quintessential flavors of fall. Seek out local fresh peanut options at farms and markets or look for current season labeling to experience peanuts at their seasonal best.
Sweet Candied Peanut Treats
- 3 cups white granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 6 cups raw peanuts
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray a baking sheet or baking pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, add sugar and water and heat over medium heat until sugar has melted, and you no longer see any sugar granules.
- Add peanuts, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently until peanuts are sugar crusted and no liquid remains on the bottom of the pan when you stir.
- Remove from heat and place onto prepared baking sheet. Spread peanuts out into as even of a layer as possible.
- Place in a preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring at least once. Remove from oven and stir to make sure there are no peanuts stuck to the pan. Set aside to cool.
- Once completely cooled, store in airtight containers or baggies.
(It does take a bit to shell a bunch of boiled peanuts)
- 1 cup shelled boiled peanuts
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1½ teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs
- Process peanuts, water, cilantro, lime juice, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, peanut butter, hot sauce, garlic, and cumin in a food processor until smooth. Sprinkle with pepper.
- Serve with any fresh vegetables or crackers. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.
- I cup shelled boiled peanuts
- 2 small cucumber, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mint finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, finely chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chaat masala or curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Chop all of the vegetables, removing any skins, seeds, or stems.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and toss well until all ingredients are mixed and well-seasoned.
- Set aside for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend prior serving. Enjoy!
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What Are Boiled Peanuts?
Boiled peanuts are just raw peanuts that have been boiled in salted water for hours. Great with beer or a cold soda, these salty soft peanuts are totally addictive!
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A little messy too, given that the shells absorb some of the water which can squirt out at you when you bite into them to get the nut out. People usually eat them outside where you can toss the shells and not worry about the salt water dribbles.
What it takes to farm peanuts | Georgia Peanuts
FAQ
When can you buy fresh peanuts?
Fresh Peanuts are available year-round, with a peak season in the late summer and early fall months.
Why do southerners boil peanuts?
Many believe that peanut boiling started during the Civil War when Confederate soldiers would roast or boil and salt peanuts to preserve the high-protein snack. We know that Black folks were boiling peanuts long before the Civil War.
What’s the difference between green peanuts and regular peanuts?
A green peanut is a freshly dug peanut that contains about 45-50 percent moisture whereas a raw peanut has been air dried after digging and is only about 10 …Sep 28, 2018
In which season do we eat peanuts?
Peanuts are loaded with protein and have several health benefits. Read on to know why you should have these nuts during the winter season. Adding peanuts to your winter diet can be beneficial for your health. As winter sets in, we should introduce certain foods in our diet to stay healthy.
When is green peanut season?
Green peanut season usually lasts from the end of July to late November. Although they are only available for a short time each year, green peanuts are fresh and delicious!. Boiled peanuts have been a staple of Southern cuisine since the 1800s.
When are green peanuts harvested?
Fall Harvest – Farmers dig up the plants, pick off the peanuts, and dry them for 1-2 weeks before sending off for shelling and roasting. So peanut harvesting occurs in the fall, but the growing season spans late spring through fall. When Are Green Peanuts Available?
Can you eat green peanuts all year?
While raw peanuts can be eaten year-round, green peanuts are only available during a specific season. Green peanut season usually lasts from the end of July to late November. Although they are only available for a short time each year, green peanuts are fresh and delicious!
When are green peanuts available?
They have a shorter shelf life and have to be cooked soon after picking. Green peanuts are available only during peak harvest season, generally late August through November. If you live in the Southern U.S., look for local stands and farmers markets selling green peanuts in the fall.
When do Peanuts grow?
Farmers typically plant peanuts in April or May, allowing time for the plants to flower above ground and produce peanuts underground before autumn arrives. Below is a general timeline of the peanut growth stages: Summer – The plants grow up to 18 inches tall. Underground, the peanuts begin developing in pods attached to the roots.
Can you eat peanuts during peak harvest season?
While peanut butter, candies, and roasted nut mixes allow us to enjoy peanuts any time of year, there’s nothing quite like savoring peanuts during peak harvest season. Keep an eye out for fresh green peanuts or newly harvested roasted peanuts in the fall months.