Peanuts (groundnuts) are pulses, the seeds of the leguminous plants (Arachis hypogaea) and belong to the same botanical family as beans, peas and lentils.

The peanut, while grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, is native to the Western Hemisphere. It probably originated in South America and spread throughout the New World as Spanish explorers discovered the peanut's versatility. When the Spaniards returned to Europe, peanuts went with them. Later, traders were responsible for spreading peanuts to Asia and Africa before making their way to North America.

By the end of the nineteenth century, the development of equipment for production, harvesting and shelling peanuts, as well as processing techniques, contributed to the expansion of the peanut industry. The new twentieth century labour saving equipment resulted in a rapid demand for peanut oil, roasted and salted peanuts, peanut butter and confections.