Below are a selection of frequently asked questions relating to peanuts and the peanut industry.

How many tonnes of peanuts a year are imported into the UK?

The UK imports on average 110, 000-120, 000 tonnes of peanut kernels.

Where are peanuts grown in the World?

The five main origins which grow peanuts are America, Argentina, China, India and South Africa, although Australia, Sudan, Nigeria and other sub-tropical regions in the world also grow peanuts.

Why are peanuts sometimes referred to as 'groundnuts'?

Peanuts actually grow underground, as opposed to nuts like walnuts, almonds etc. that grow on trees (and are referred to as tree nuts).

Where did peanuts originate?

The peanut plant is thought to have originated in Brazil or Peru.

Are peanuts legumes?

Yes. Peanuts, along with beans and peas, belong to the single plant family Leguminosae. Legumes are edible seeds enclosed in pods. As a group, they provide the best source of concentrated protein in the plant kingdom.