Peanuts originated in South America, likely in the regions of Peru or Brazil, where they have been grown for thousands of years. They are not actually nuts but legumes that grow underground in pods attached to the roots of a bushy plant. The plant flowers above ground, and after pollination, the flower stalk bends downward to bury the developing peanut pod in the soil. Peanuts were spread around the world by European explorers and traders, and today they are grown in warm climates globally, with major production in countries like China, India, the United States, and several African and South American nations.
Peanuts are planted as kernels in the soil, where they sprout into green plants about 18 inches tall. The pods mature underground, making harvesting unique compared to many other crops. In the US, peanuts are mainly grown in the southern states such as Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Virginia, where sandy soils and warm temperatures favor their growth.
Summary of Peanut Origin and Growth
- Origin: Peru or Brazil in South America, cultivated for over 3,500 years.
- Plant Type: Legume, not a tree nut.
- Growth: Peanuts grow underground in pods; flowers above ground pollinate, then peg down into soil.
- Spread: From South America to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America via explorers and traders.
- Major Modern Producers: China, India, USA, and several tropical/subtropical countries.
- US Growing Regions: South and Southeast states with sandy soils and warm climates.
This provides a comprehensive origin and growth profile of peanuts from their ancient South American roots to their current global cultivation.
