Peanut oil, also referred to as groundnut oil or arachis oil, is a type of vegetable oil that is derived from the edible seeds of the peanut plant. These seeds grow underground, which is why peanuts are sometimes called groundnuts. Although often classified as a tree nut, peanuts are actually a legume and belong to the pea and bean family.
The fatty acid composition of peanut oil consists of 20% saturated fat, 50% monounsaturated fat (MUFA), and 30% polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). Depending on the method of processing, peanut oil can have a range of flavors that vary from mild and sweet to strong and nutty.
When peanut oil is cold-pressed, it retains much of the natural peanut flavor and nutrients compared to refined oil. Peanut oil is widely used around the world, particularly in Chinese, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cooking. It gained popularity in the United States during World War II when other oils were scarce due to food shortages.
Peanut oil, with its healthy fat content, can be a valuable addition to your diet as long as it is consumed in moderation. It has a high smoke point of 437℉ (225℃) and is frequently used for frying food. It is a common cooking oil in Pakistan and can be purchased from our online store.