Peanut

            The peanut is not actually a “nut” at all, but a member of the pea, or legume, family that grows in a most interesting manner. A rather low bushlike plant, it bears flowers that then become pods; the branches carrying the pods elongate, bend down, and push their pods into the ground; and when the plant dies, the mature peanuts (or ground nuts, as they are often called) are dug up. Botanists are divided over whether the peanut came originally from Africa or South America. Now, however, it grows prolifically in almost all tropical counties; India and China are large producers, as is the southern United States.

            Peanuts are a very nutritious food. They are extremely high in protein and unsaturated oil. Because their protein is incomplete, however, they should not be relied on as a sole source of protein. They are rich in vitamins E and B, particularly in niacin. The thin brown skin of the peanut contains trace minerals and B vitamins. Its slightly bitter flavor is appreciated by some, denounced by others. Shelled peanuts are available with or without this skin, so take your pick. Peanuts lose nutrients when they are roasted – but gain delicious flavor. It is best to buy raw peanuts and roast them in your own kitchen, for then you can control the temperature, the quality of oil, and the amount of salt used. Many commercially available roasted peanuts are actually deep-fried at high temperatures in low-quality oil and oversalted as well. To roast peanuts properly, place shelled nuts in a heavy frying pan over medium heat; stir until a roasted aroma arises; sprinkle on a few teaspoons of pressed oil, coating all nuts; stir in salt if desired.

            Peanuts lend themselves to a wide variety of treatments – there is peanut oil, peanut meal, peanut butter, boiled peanuts, and roasted peanuts. Peanuts can be used as nutritious snacks or as part of a meal. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on salads; use them as a curry condiment, add them to soybean and grain dishes. Always buy peanuts organic, as they are known to have the highest levels of pesticide saturation among plant foods (besides the infamous raisin).

Oil, Vegetable (with recipe)

            Vegetable oils occupy an important position in nutrition; it therefore pays to obtain the best quality available, even if it is somewhat expensive. How to recognize the “best” is a little tricky, but with a few basic facts under your belt you can surmount the problem with ease. First step: try to avoid commercial big-name brands. These oils are all extracted by use of petroleum-based solvents, and there is real danger of carcinogenic residues remaining in the oil. They are also exposed to excessively high heats and refining processes, which leave them odorless, tasteless, colorless – and unnaturally healthless. They are also permeated with preservatives. Stay away from them.

            What you should aim for is a pressed oil in crude or relatively unrefined state.  Pressed oil are obtained by use of hydraulic or expeller presses. The oil is forced by pressure out of the nut or seed or grain rather than being extracted chemically by use of solvents. Crude or unrefined oils are exposed to various degrees of filtration rather than to refinement by means of caustic chemicals.

            Cast a wary eye on labels. Question the term “cold-pressed”. All oil-giving substances (with the exception of olives and sesame seeds) must be exposed to a certain amount of heat before they will yield their oil. Question the term “unrefined”. A truly unrefined oil is dark in color, thick in substance, and pungent in taste – and does not appeal to all palates. Question the term “virgin” (as in olive oil). As an indication of quality it is absolutely meaningless, for there are no standards governing its usage.

            All properly processed vegetable oils provide excellent sources of unsaturated essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and lecithin. The type of oil you choose depends on your own taste or intention. Peanut oil is good for frying, and many Asian recipes blossom with it. Olive oil is unsurpassable for salads, and Italian dishes would lapse into lethargy without it. Corn, sunflower, and safflower oils are all highly unsaturated and good for general use. Then there are sesame, avocado, walnut…Experiment!

            Always refrigerate vegetable oil after opening so that it will not become rancid. It will keep longer if it is in a dark container, for the oil deteriorates more rapidly when exposed to light. Vegetable oils can (and should) be successfully substituted for hydrogenated fats such as margarine, shortening, and lard in many recipes. Here, for instance, in an easy-to-make piecrust prepared with pressed vegetable oil.

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PIE CRUST

¹/₃ cup ice water

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon salt

¹/₃ cup cold butter

¹/₃ cup cold olive oil

1.      In a small bowl place an ice cube and about ¹/₃ cup water.

2.      Into a large bowl, sift flour and salt. Add cold butter, cut into small pieces. With fingers quickly mix with flour until butter and flour form pea-size lumps. Measure out ¹/₃ cup ice water and add ¹/₃ cup cold oil into same container. Pour all at once into dough and mix quickly with fingers, forming into a ball. Roll out immediately or refrigerate for later use.

3.      Makes enough pastry for one double-crust pie or two single crusts.

4.      Note: In order to have a flaky crust, the butter must not get too soft. Therefore work quickly; if at any point the butter seems to melt, refrigerate for a few minutes, then continue the recipe.