Groundnuts and peanuts
The two words describe the same thing. Groundnut is the usual term in East African and South Asian trade and in most contract documentation; peanut is standard in North American usage and in consumer-facing language. Both appear in international correspondence and neither is more correct.
Botanically the plant is a legume rather than a tree nut, which matters for allergen labelling and for how the crop is grown — the pods develop underground, which is why moisture and soil conditions at harvest have such a direct effect on quality.
Products and references
- Product
Raw groundnuts
In-shell groundnuts, before shelling.
View - Product
Shelled kernels
The main traded form, graded by count.
View - Product
Red skin
Shelled kernels with the skin intact.
View - Product
Blanched
Skin removed, for confectionery and manufacturing.
View - Reference
Grades
How count grading works and what the numbers mean.
View - Reference
Specifications
The full contract parameter set.
View - Critical
Aflatoxin
The hazard, the conditions that create it, and the controls.
View - Reference
Moisture
The parameter that governs aflatoxin risk.
View - Verification
Inspection
Sampling for a hazard that is unevenly distributed.
View - Logistics
Packaging
Bag formats and why breathability matters.
View - Logistics
Container loading
Stowage and condensation control.
View
Season
| Product | Country | Harvest months | Main trading period | Typical availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groundnuts | Tanzania | Approx. May – August | Post-harvest, after drying to target moistureIndicative | Availability depends on drying and storage conditions after harvest as much as on the crop itself. See aflatoxin management. |
| Groundnuts | Malawi | Approx. April – July | Post-harvestIndicative | Regional groundnut origin; offered where lot quality and documentation meet the buyer requirement. |
Groundnut questions
Are groundnuts and peanuts the same thing?
Yes. Groundnut is the usual term in East African and South Asian trade documentation; peanut is standard in North American and consumer usage. Both refer to Arachis hypogaea.
How are groundnuts graded?
Shelled groundnuts are graded by count per ounce, expressed as a range such as 50/60 — meaning between 50 and 60 kernels per ounce. A lower count means larger kernels. Type and skin condition are specified alongside the count.
What is the difference between red skin and blanched groundnuts?
Red skin kernels retain the thin reddish seed coat; blanched kernels have had it removed by heat and abrasion. Blanched material is used where the skin would affect appearance, flavour or processing, and it carries a cost for the additional step.
Which origins supply groundnuts in this programme?
Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda. Malawi and Uganda are landlocked, so shipments include an inland leg to a coastal port, which is a material consideration for moisture control on this product specifically.
Request the current specification
Documents are issued against the current crop and the packing format you intend to buy, so what you receive matches what can actually be shipped.
- Product specification sheet for the current crop
- Packing and marking details for your chosen format
- Certificate of analysis from the nominated laboratory
- Sample dispatch, where a physical sample is required before contracting
Ready to specify groundnuts?
Send the grade, quantity, packing format, destination port and required period. Those five details are what make an offer possible on the first reply rather than the third.