by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2010

If you don't have an allergy, peanuts are a delicious and healthy snack. While you can buy roasted nuts at your local supermarket, buying raw nuts and roasting them yourself creates a warm, salty snack that just tastes better. Roasting raw peanuts at home is easy, and you will only need a few items to do it.

What You Need:

*Peanuts (with or without shell)

*Baking sheet

*Oven

*Salt

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Toss peanuts with salt.

3. Spread in a single layer on baking sheet.

4. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes (add five minutes if the peanuts are still in their shells).

5. Halfway through the cooking time, stir the peanuts to facilitate even roasting.

6. Remove the peanuts from the oven when they are slightly underdone. Carryover heat will continue to cook them, especially if they are in the shell.

7. Cool for at least ten minutes before eating.

Peanut Varieties

There are tons of different types of peanuts out there. Sample them all to see which ones you like best. Virginia and Valencia peanuts are two of the most popular varieties for roasting. If you are planning to make peanut butter from your roasted nuts, consider using Spanish peanuts for their higher oil content.

Shelled Versus In Shell

Peanuts can be roasted with their shell or without. If you buy them still in the shell, make sure that they are firm and unblemished. The nuts should not rattle inside the shell when you shake them.

Adding Seasoning

If you want to salt your peanuts, do it before placing them in the oven. Tossing your nuts with salt will give them a wonderful flavor later. Garlic salt or other flavored salts can be substituted to create a unique flavor profile.

Health Benefits of Peanuts

Many people focus on the fact that most nuts are high in fats, and so they steer clear of them. However, peanuts are primarily full of unsaturated fats, which are necessary for your body to function properly. Nuts provide fiber, minerals and vitamins. They are also a great vegetarian source of protein. What many people don't know about peanuts is that they are tremendously high in antioxidants and will aid in eliminating harmful free radicals from your body.

Roasting raw peanuts is a great way to bring out their flavor and create a delicious snack. Skip the store-bought nuts and roast your own. Your house will smell wonderful and the nuts will have the perfect flavor. You don't have to go to a baseball game for fresh roasted peanuts. You can make them yourself.

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