Peanut oil, also known as Arachi oil, is a vegetable oil made from the edible seeds of the peanut plant.
Although the peanut plant flowers above ground, the seeds or peanuts actually grow underground.
Peanuts are often grouped with tree nuts like walnuts and almonds, but they are actually a type of legume that belongs to the pea and bean family.
Depending on the processing, peanut oil can have a wide range of flavors that vary from mild and sweet to strong.
There are many different types of peanut oil.
Each is made using different techniques:
Refined peanut oil: This type is refined and deodorized, which removes the allergenic parts of the oil.
It is generally safe for people with peanut allergies.
It is commonly used by restaurants to fry foods such as chicken and French fries.
Pressed peanut oil: In this method, peanuts are crushed to extract the oil.
This low heat process preserves more of the natural peanut flavor and nutrients.
Gourmet Peanut Oil: Considered a specialty oil, this type is unrefined and usually roasted, giving this oil a deeper and more intense flavor than refined oil.
This substance is used to flavor foods such as fried potatoes.
Peanut oil blends: Peanut oil is often blended with similar flavor but less oil like soybean oil.
This type is more affordable for consumers and is usually sold in bulk for frying food.
