Peanuts

Peanuts are legumes with a nutlike flavor. They are sold in the shell or shelled; whole or in halves; raw or dry-roasted; and unsalted, salted, or only lightly salted. Dry-roasted peanuts, which have not been cooked in oil, are preferred in Asian cooking. The Virginia variety of peanut is longer and more oval than the smaller red-skinned Spanish variety.