Are roasted peanuts in the shell better than their shelled counterparts? It’s been an ongoing discussion and hot debate in many households. While we think peanuts are good any way you eat them, in-shell peanuts offer plenty of benefits. Read on to discover their positive properties and health benefits, and learn why in-shell peanuts might hold a slight edge over their shelled counterparts.
Both In-Shell and Shelled Peanuts Are Good for You
In or out of the shell, shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, portable peanuts are good for you thanks to an abundance of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Peanuts also contain more protein per serving than other nuts and rank second only to almonds when it comes to fiber. Both shelled and in-shell peanuts contain heart-healthy fats known to lower LDL cholesterol, help reduce blood pressure, and support the cardiovascular system.
Benefits of In-Shell Peanuts
There are no current studies that explain why in-shell peanuts are better, but it might have to do with the skin. Peanuts contain polyphenols and flavonoids, two antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds that are concentrated in the skin. Since the skin on a peanut in the shell is still intact, it packs more polyphenols and flavonoids into each bite.
Some people insist that peanuts in the shell taste better, but that's just a matter of opinion. A few brave folks eat peanuts shell and all, citing a blissful experience in both taste and texture. This makes perfect sense if they choose to eat peanuts with dynamic flavors like Cajun Hot,which offers just the right amount of heat from inside the shell.
What can you do with peanut shells?
If you’re convinced that in-shell peanuts are the superior option, you might find yourself with an overflow of discarded casings. After you pop out the peanut, don’t throw out the shell. Here are just a few easy ways to use this important peanut part.
- Toss peanut shells into gardens or flower beds. Nitrogen-rich peanut shells will share their goodness with the garden as they break down.
- Make a favorite feline happy. Soak peanut shells in water to soften, and then drain and mix them with baking soda for an eco-friendly kitty litter.
- Create real packing peanuts. Surround fragile items with peanut shells before shipping.
- Skip the de-icing chemicals and salt this winter. Cover icy sidewalks and walkways with crunched up peanut shell fragments.
Hampton Farms has been the leading supplier of the freshest, best quality roast and raw peanuts from seed to shelf since 1917 so you can enjoy them in-shell, out of shell, salted, unsalted, or any way you like them.
FAQs
Benefits of In-Shell Peanuts
Do birds prefer shelled or unshelled peanuts? ›
Whole, in-shell nuts are ideal for larger birds such as jays, crows, grackles, and larger woodpeckers. Smaller birds such as chickadees and titmice will prefer peanut hearts or chips that are already broken up.
Do squirrels prefer peanuts in the shell? ›
Squirrels are quite happy to eat nuts with or without the shell, indeed it's the process of extracting a nut from its shell gives the squirrel exercise and a way of sharpening its teeth. It is worth noting that peanuts are nutritionally poor for squirrels and salted peanuts should always be avoided.
Do you eat the shell of a deep fried peanut? ›
The resulting product is a snack food that can be eaten in its entirety, both shell and nut. The deep-frying process does not change the flavor or texture of the nutmeats, but changes the texture and flavor of the shells—especially if seasonings are used—to make them more palatable.
Do you eat the peanut shell in boiled peanuts? ›
There's nothing wrong with eating peanut shells, but some might argue that you're better off getting your roughage from leafy greens. We suggest pulling those shells apart and sucking out the kernels (along with all of their delicious, briny liquor) for the best boiled peanut experience.
Do blue jays like shelled or unshelled peanuts? ›
Blue jays and other jay species in the United States love peanuts in the shell. These species are the reason that many people choose to offer this type of peanut. In addition to blue jays, I've regularly seen red-bellied woodpeckers enjoy peanuts in the shell.
Why are peanuts in-shell better? ›
Benefits of In-Shell Peanuts
Since the skin on a peanut in the shell is still intact, it packs more polyphenols and flavonoids into each bite. Some people insist that peanuts in the shell taste better, but that's just a matter of opinion.
Can you leave peanuts out for squirrels? ›
Also, you'll want to avoid overdoing the sunflower seeds and peanuts. Many people think these are great for squirrels, but the truth is that they have poor nutritional value, plus peanuts can harbor poisonous mold that is bad for squirrels.
What should you not feed squirrels? ›
Sugary foods: candy, cookies, dried fruit, banana chips, soda, fruit juices, sweetened yogurt, granola, sweetened breakfast cereals. Junk food: french fries, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, anything salted.
What is a GREY squirrel's favorite food? ›
Squirrels' favorite natural foods are hickory nuts, pecans, black walnuts, and acorns. Their favorite feeder food is black oil sunflower seeds, their least favorite feeder food is Nyjer® (thistle) seed.
They can be useful as a part of a weight loss diet and may reduce your risk of both heart disease and gallstones. However, being high in fat, this legume is a high-calorie food and should not be eaten in excess.
Can you eat raw in shell peanuts? ›
Peanuts can be eaten raw, blanched, roasted, boiled, fried, powdered, or made into peanut butter. Eating them with their thin, papery skin is most nutritionally beneficial, as the skin contains the many antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Why do people put peanuts in co*ke? ›
The combination is believed to have developed in the South during the 1920s, as a snack for blue-collar workers that did not require them to wash their hands. It quickly became popular as a summer snack, especially in rural areas. The snack became an internet trend in 2018.
Why put vinegar in boiled peanuts overnight? ›
Made from sugar, fermented apples, and yeast, the vinegar adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the peanuts. The acid provides balance to the savory spices that have already been added, transforming the peanuts into a well-rounded, flavorful snack with depth. Read ahead to learn how to make the perfect pot of boiled peanuts.
Why do Southerners boil peanuts? ›
But most agree that the practice of boiling peanuts originated in Africa and was introduced to American Southern culture by slaves, as the South is where the peanut crop flourished. Boiling was a clever and delicious way to enjoy the fresh-harvested or “green” peanuts that were not yet dry enough to roast.
Should peanuts be crushed for birds? ›
Chopped peanuts have all the same value to birds as whole peanuts such as being rich in fat and protein, but with the added benefit that they can easily and safely be fed to softbill species such as Robin, Blackbird and Dunnock.
How do blue jays know when I put peanuts out? ›
Steve and Dave Maslowski This blue jay is likely going to stash its peanut away to eat it later. Jays seem to sense whenever peanuts are put out within a 5-mile radius. You won't see them in your yard for months or years, but as soon as you offer peanuts in a shell, they can appear within days or even hours!
Do house sparrows eat shelled peanuts? ›
No-shell peanuts will attract the widest variety of peanut-eating birds, but if house sparrows are taking over, try offering only in-shell peanuts. Sparrows don't like to deal with the harder shell, yet blue jays, woodpeckers, and titmice love them and can easily tackle the shells.
