The Best Peanuts in the World: A Guide to the Tastiest Peanut Varieties Across the Globe

Peanuts are one of the most beloved snacks around the world Their rich, nutty flavor makes them an irresistible treat whether eaten raw, roasted, salted, candied, or ground into peanut butter. With so many ways to enjoy them, it’s no wonder peanuts have become a dietary staple across cultures

But not all peanuts taste the same. There are actually hundreds of peanut varieties grown worldwide, each with their own unique characteristics Some have a robust, earthy flavor while others are mild and sweet The differences come down to the peanut’s size, oil content, crunchiness, and more.

So which peanuts reign supreme when it comes to flavor? Let’s explore some of the best peanuts in the world to discover which varieties you should be on the lookout for

Runner Peanuts – Florunner and Georgia Runner

Runner peanuts account for about 80% of the peanuts grown in the United States. Known for their high oil content and robust peanut flavor, runners make ideal peanuts for peanut butter.

Within the runner type, two varieties stand out – Florunner and Georgia Runner.

Florunner peanuts have a higher oil content than other runners, giving them an ultra-rich flavor. They have a slightly sweet taste that enhances peanut butter. Florunner peanuts are best grown in warm climates like Florida, where they originated.

Georgia Runner peanuts hail from Georgia and are another favorite for peanut butter production. They have a distinct roasted flavor and high oil content around 50%. Georgia Runners are also quite large in size.

Both Florunner and Georgia Runner give peanut butter a smooth texture and robust flavor that peanut butter fans crave.

Virginia Peanuts – Bailey, Champs, and Sugg

Virginia peanuts are prized for their extra large size and crunchy texture. They contain about 45% oil, less than runner types, giving them a slightly milder flavor. When roasted, Virginias develop a deep, earthy taste.

The jumbo size also makes Virginias perfect for eating as snack peanuts. Three top varieties of Virginia peanuts are Bailey, Champs, and Sugg.

Bailey peanuts have an elongated shape and reddish tan skin. Their size and crunch make them a favorite for roasted peanuts in the shell.

Champs are medium to large in size with a distinctive flavor. They are one of the most commercially produced Virginia varieties.

Sugg peanuts have a bright tan color and are on the larger end of the Virginia types. Suggs are extra crunchy and pack a roasted peanut taste.

So when you want peanuts with big crunch and flavor, look for these Virginia varieties.

Spanish Peanuts – Pronto and Tamspan 90

Known by their vibrant red skins, Spanish peanuts have a smaller size and contain around 50% oil. They have a mild, sweet flavor compared to Virginia and runner types.

Two Spanish varieties that offer a tasty sweet peanut experience are Pronto and Tamspan 90.

Pronto peanuts mature rapidly, making them suited for shorter growing seasons. Their bright red skin encases an extra sweet peanut inside.

Tamspan 90 is a high yielding Spanish variety that also matures quickly. Its small, red peanuts have a meltingly tender texture and sweetness.

Spanish peanuts like these make an excellent choice for candy, snacks, and confections where a sweet peanut taste is desired.

Valencia Peanuts – New Mexico Valencia

Grown primarily in New Mexico, Valencia peanuts have a defining trait – their texture. Valencias are considered the softest peanut variety, with a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel when raw.

The archetypal New Mexico Valencia peanut has bright beige skin and small size. The taste is sweeter than other peanuts with a rich, oily quality similar to pecans. New Mexico Valencias are favored for their mellow flavor.

If you want an ultra smooth peanut eating experience, New Mexico Valencia is the variety to choose. Their tender texture also makes them a wonderful addition to confections, candy, and baked goods.

Chinese Peanuts – Fuji and Golden Monkey

Over in China, peanuts have been cultivated for centuries and are consumed in many popular Chinese dishes. Two peanut varieties that originate from China are Fuji and Golden Monkey.

Fuji peanuts are a large runner-type peanut with creamy white kernels. They have a mild, sweet flavor and higher oil content, around 56%. Fujis are often dry roasted or boiled for snacking. Their large size also makes them a good choice for peanut butter.

Golden Monkey peanuts hail from the Shandong province of China. The peanuts have striking bright red skins and a bold, roasted flavor. Their high oil content gives monkey peanuts a rich, satisfying taste.

For peanuts with an authentic Chinese influence, seek out these Fuji or Golden Monkey varieties. Their large size and bolder flavor profiles will give your recipes some extra character.

Indian Peanuts – JL 24 and M13

India produces over 6 million tons of peanuts annually, using them extensively in Indian cuisine. Two peanut varieties popular for cultivation in India are JL 24 and M13.

JL 24 is a Virginia type peanut known for its high yield. They grow large in size and have a reddish brown shell. JL 24 peanuts have an oil content around 45% and pleasant roasted flavor.

M13 is a Spanish type peanut with an oil content around 50%. It has smaller kernels with red skin and matures more rapidly. M13 peanuts have a hearty peanut taste balanced by sweetness.

These Indian peanut varieties have the traditional peanut flavor essential for iconic Indian dishes like peanut chutneys. Their textures also hold up well when ground into flours for cooking.

Peruvian Peanuts – Peruvian Runner

In South America, Peruvian Runner peanuts are a staple crop. The growing climate in Peru produces jumbo sized peanuts with light brown skins.

Peruvian Runners contain over 50% oil, giving them a rich, savory peanut flavor. When roasted, the peanuts develop a deep, earthy taste. The large size also makes these peanuts very crunchy.

If you want that satisfying big crunch in a quality snack peanut, Peruvian Runners are a great option. Their robust flavor and large kernels make them ideal for peanut butter too.

There’s a Perfect Peanut Variety for Every Taste

Part of the fun of being a peanut lover is getting to sample all the different varieties the world has to offer. Each region grows peanuts suited to local cuisine that capture distinctive flavors, textures, and characteristics.

Whether you like an intense robust peanut taste, mild sweetness, or big crunch, there’s a peanut variety out there that will satisfy your cravings. So next time you pass the peanuts in the store, see if you can find some new varieties to expand your palette. Your taste buds will thank you.