BL (Blanched) Peanuts are peanuts that have undergone a process to remove their reddish-brown skins. The blanching process involves briefly boiling the peanuts and then rapidly cooling them, which makes the skins easy to peel off. The resulting peanuts have a lighter, more uniform appearance and a slightly different texture and flavor compared to their skin-on counterparts.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): (Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific variety and processing methods. The following are approximate average values for raw peanuts.)
- Energy: 567 kcal
- Protein: 25.8g
- Carbohydrates: 16.1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 49.2g
- Saturated: 6.3g
- Fiber: 8.5g
Ingredients: Blanched peanuts.
What it is good for:
- Source of plant-based protein.
- Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, niacin, folate, and phosphorus.
- Contains antioxidants, primarily resveratrol, which has various health benefits.
- Source of dietary fiber.
How to Use: Raw blanched peanuts can be consumed directly as a snack. They can be roasted for a richer flavor or used in various dishes, both savory and sweet. They’re also a primary ingredient in peanut butter and can be blended to create homemade peanut butter.
Recipe Idea – Homemade Peanut Butter: Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw blanched peanuts
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp peanut oil or another neutral oil (optional, for creamier texture)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, add the blanched peanuts.
- Blend continuously until the peanuts break down into a buttery consistency. This can take up to 5-10 minutes depending on the power of your food processor.
- If desired, add honey or maple syrup and salt during the blending process.
- For a creamier texture, you can add the oil while blending.
- Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, transfer the peanut butter to a jar and store in the refrigerator.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegan (if not using honey in recipes)
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Keto (in moderation)
- Paleo (some strict followers might exclude peanuts)
Note: Peanuts are a common allergen. Always be cautious when introducing them, especially to those who haven’t consumed them before. Individuals with peanut allergies should avoid them, and it’s essential to be aware of potential cross-contaminations if handling other foods for individuals with allergies.
