Peanut / Groundnut

Peanut, or groundnut, is one of India's oldest export commodities, with Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka supplying the bulk of the crop. The trade is organised around counts — the number of kernels in one ounce — because count determines what a kernel can be used for. A confectioner needs a large, even kernel; an oil crusher does not care.

Bold (Runner) peanut is the large-count workhorse used for roasting, salting and retail packs, typically traded at 38/42, 40/50 and 50/60 counts. Java (Spanish) peanut is smaller, rounder and higher in oil, which makes it the preferred kernel for peanut butter, crushing and confectionery. TJ (Tanzanian Java) is a high-oil variety with excellent uniformity. Blanched, split and roasted formats are produced to order.

Two things decide whether a peanut consignment clears: moisture and aflatoxin. We control moisture at 7 to 8 percent maximum and test every lot for aflatoxin against the destination's limit — 4 ppb total for the EU, higher elsewhere — with certificates issued before the container is stuffed.