Peanut

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a legume native to South America that has become one of the world’s most important oilseed crops. Unlike tree nuts, peanuts develop underground — the plant flowers above the soil, then pushes its developing pods down into the earth to mature.

Peanuts are a staple food across many cultures. They’re eaten roasted, boiled, or raw, ground into peanut butter, pressed for cooking oil, and used as a base ingredient in sauces and confectionery. Global production is dominated by China, India, Nigeria, and the United States. Australia grows a modest crop, primarily in Queensland.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially serious food allergies, particularly in Western countries. This has made peanuts one of the most tightly regulated allergens in food labelling worldwide.