Peanuts

Also known as groundnuts or monkey nuts, peanuts are one of the most popular nuts for snacking and cooking. When pressed, they produce groundnut (or arachide) oil - a light, delicate oil for use in salad dressings and in cooking.

Raw peanuts are excellent for cooking; they may be added to salads or stir-fries, used in Southeast Asian dishes or scattered over couscous. Ground in a blender with a little groundnut oil and salt, they make delicious peanut butter. They may also be roasted by tossing them in heated oil and salt, then toasting them to a light golden colour in a moderate oven. Alternatively, they may be devilled by coating them in oil and chilli powder before roasting them in the oven.

Dry-roasted, salted or honey-roasted peanuts are also available to buy; these are perfect for eating as a snack or for serving with pre-dinner drinks.