Raw peanuts show up in a lot of recipes for a reason. They let you control the flavor from the start instead of working around whatever seasoning or roast level a package already has. If you've never bought a bag of raw peanuts before, here's what to know about what they are, what they offer, and how to put them to use.
What Is a Raw Peanut?
In simple terms, a raw peanut is a peanut that hasn't been roasted or cooked.
It's the peanut in its natural, unprocessed state, which means the flavor is milder and the texture is softer than what you'd get from a roasted variety like our Salted Virginia Peanuts. Because they haven't been through a roasting process, raw peanuts should always be cooked before eating, whether that's roasting, boiling, or using them in a recipe that calls for heat.
Types of Raw Peanuts
Not all raw peanuts are the same. In the U.S., peanuts are generally grown as one of four types, Virginia, Runner, Spanish, and Valencia, each with its own size and flavor profile. Virginia peanuts, the type Hubs grows, are known for their larger size.
You'll also see raw peanuts sold a couple of different ways. Some are shelled, with the outer shell already removed, while others are sold in-shell, left whole for roasting or boiling at home. Redskin peanuts, sometimes labeled "red skin raw peanuts," keep the thin natural skin underneath the shell instead of having it removed. That skin holds some of the peanut's own nutrients and antioxidants, and leaving it on gives the peanut a noticeably deeper, more robust flavor once cooked compared to a blanched peanut with the skin taken off. Once roasted and salted, that same redskin peanut becomes our Big Reds, a bolder, more full flavored alternative to a standard salted peanut.
Benefits of Raw Peanuts
Raw peanuts are a solid source of plant protein and fiber. According to USDA FoodData Central, raw Virginia peanuts provide about 25 grams of protein, 49 grams of fat, and 17 grams of carbohydrates per cup, with roughly 8.5 grams of dietary fiber, working out to around 7 grams of protein and 2.4 grams of fiber per one-ounce serving. They also contain calcium and iron in modest amounts. You can look up the full nutrient breakdown yourself on USDA FoodData Central, the federal database for food composition, if you want to compare raw peanuts to other foods in your diet.
Uses for Raw Peanuts
Raw peanuts are a starting point more than a finished snack. Some of the most common ways to use them include the following.
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Home roasting:Roast them in the oven or an air fryer and season them yourself.
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Boiling: A Southern classic, especially with in-shell peanuts simmered in a salty brine.
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Peanut brittle and candies: Raw peanuts are a common base for homemade brittle, similar to our own Peanut Brittle.
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Homemade peanut butter: Roasting and grinding your own peanuts gives you full control over the texture and salt.
How to Buy Raw Peanuts
When you're buying raw peanuts, look for peanuts that are fresh, uniform in size, and free of any off smell, since raw peanuts don't have a roasting process to mask quality issues. Hubs sells raw Virginia redskin peanuts by the bag, sourced from the same Virginia crop used across the rest of the Hubs lineup, including our Big Reds and Salted Virginia Peanuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of eating raw peanuts?
A: Raw peanuts offer protein, fiber, and minerals like calcium and iron, all in their unroasted, unprocessed form.
Q: How can I use raw peanuts in cooking?
A: Roast them, boil them, grind them into peanut butter, or use them as the base for homemade brittle. Since they're raw, they should be cooked before eating.
Q:Where can I buy high-quality raw peanuts?
A: Look for a source that sells peanuts fresh and sourced directly from the crop. At Hubs, we sell raw Virginia redskin peanuts by the bag for home roasting and recipes.
