Basic varieties of peanuts

Some basic varieties of peanuts are commonly grown: Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia. Each type is distinctive in size and flavour.

Runner
Runners have become the dominant type due to the introduction in the early 1970's of a new runner variety, the Floorunner, which was responsible for a spectacular increase in peanut yields. Runners have rapidly gained wide acceptance because of their attractive kernel size range; a high proportion of runners are used for peanut butter.

Virginia
Virginias have the largest kernels and account for most of the peanuts roasted and eaten as in shells. When shelled, the kernels are sold as salted peanuts.

Spanish
Spanish type peanuts have smaller kernels covered with a reddish-brown skin. They are used predominantly in peanut candy, although significant quantities are also used for salted nuts and peanut butter. They have a higher oil content than the other types of peanuts which is advantageous when crushing for oil.

Valencia
Valencia's usually have three or more small kernels to a pod. They are very sweet peanuts and are usually roasted and sold in the shell; they are also excellent for fresh use as boiled peanuts.