Are Raw Peanuts Safe to Eat?

While many peanuts available as snacks are roasted, peanuts can be consumed raw, although there are extra precautions that need to be taken to safely store raw peanuts for consumption.

Definition

Peanuts are not actually nuts, as the name would imply. Peanuts are a member of the legume family, and are closely related to lentils and chickpeas.

Health Benefits

Peanuts are high in protein and have been shown to promote heart health. According to information on WorldHealthiestFoods.com, numerous studies have shown that consumption of peanuts can lead to a decreased risk of heart disease.

Unroasted Peanuts

Unroasted peanuts are safe for eating, although the they will not have the same flavor profile as a roasted peanut, nor will they be as easy to digest. It is for this reason that most nutritionists recommend roasting peanuts prior to consumption. The largest danger of the consumption of raw peanuts is the possible presence of aflatoxin, a poison produced by a fungus that may be present on unroasted peanuts. Roasted peanuts pose a significantly lower risk of carrying the fungus responsible for aflatoxin.

Storage

If purchased raw, peanuts should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Home Roasting

To roast peanuts that have been purchased raw, it is best to use a low temperature roast inside the oven. Fifteen to 20 minutes at 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit should be enough to roast the peanuts and reduce the danger of encountering aflatoxin.

References

• World's Healthiest Foods: Peanuts