Redskin and Spanish peanuts look the same at first glance. Since they have two different names, you may be wondering if they’re two different nuts. Luckily, you don’t have to look further for a definitive answer to that question than the article below.
Redskin and Spanish peanuts are the same. “Redskin” is simply another name for Spanish peanuts due to their distinctive color. Either way, it’s essential to know what Spanish peanuts are, how they differ from regular peanuts, and whether they have health benefits.
This article gives a brief overview of redskin or Spanish peanuts — specifically, what they are, what they taste like, and their uses. I’ll also talk about the differences between Spanish peanuts and other types of peanuts, their health benefits, and where you can buy them.
What Are Redskin or Spanish Peanuts?
Redskin or Spanish peanuts have a distinctive red skin, hence their name. Even though they originate from Brazil, Spain is their best-known grower. They’re among the four main types of peanuts you can find at the supermarket.
Other than Spanish peanuts, the other main types available in supermarkets include Virginia, Valencia, and Runner peanuts.
What Do Spanish Peanuts Taste Like?
Spanish peanuts taste like regular peanuts. They have the same nutty flavor, and if you roast redskin peanuts, you can further enhance their taste. Most peanut butter and peanut brittle varieties use Spanish peanuts as their main ingredient.
What Are Spanish Peanuts Used For?
Spanish peanuts are used for peanut candy, such as peanut brittle and chocolate-covered peanuts. They have a higher oil content than many other peanut varieties, making them an excellent choice for roasting, cooking, and baking.
Peanut brittle often uses Spanish peanuts because the nuts add extra texture and crunch to the sweet treat. Also, peanut butter manufacturers incorporate redskin peanuts into their products because they have more flavor than other varieties.
The Differences Between Spanish Peanuts and Other Peanuts
The color isn’t the only thing differentiating Spanish peanuts from other peanut varieties. Below, I’ll give you an overview of how you can tell redskin peanuts apart from the other main peanut types I discussed earlier: Virginia, Runner, and Valencia.
The Differences Between Spanish and Virginia Peanuts
The main differences between Spanish and Virginia peanuts (a.k.a. “cocktail peanuts”) are the size and amount of red skin. Compared to the Virginia variety, Spanish peanuts are smaller, have more red skin, and have a higher oil content, making them slightly sweeter.
The most apparent difference between Spanish and cocktail peanuts is the color. Cocktail peanuts are light brown, while Spanish peanuts are reddish-brown. Also, cocktail peanuts have bigger kernels than Spanish peanuts and lower oil content than the latter.
Although the lower oil content makes cocktail peanuts seem healthier than the Spanish variety, they are less tasty. As a result, cocktail peanut producers often fry them in oil to add to their flavor.
The Differences Between Spanish and Runner Peanuts
Runner peanuts have the same sweet taste as Spanish peanuts. However, they account for 70% of the peanuts that grow in the United States. Runner peanuts look like the Virginia variety, albeit with less red skin than the latter and even lesser than Spanish peanuts.
The Differences Between Spanish and Valencia Peanuts
Some people call Valencia peanuts “butter-toasted” or “sandwich” peanuts. That’s because they have a buttery taste that makes them great for peanut butter production. The Valencia peanut has a reddish-brown color with high oil content like the Spanish variety. However, most Valencia peanuts grow in Texas and New Mexico and make up less than 1% of the U.S’s peanut production.
Health Benefits of Redskin Peanuts
Despite their relatively high oil content, redskin peanuts are healthy. The oil content makes them richer and more robust in flavor, making them easy snacks. Similar to other peanut types, Spanish peanuts have a range of health benefits.
Spanish Peanuts Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Spanish peanuts are exceptionally high in monounsaturated fats. That means they can lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and decrease your risk of developing blood clots. Together, these factors contribute to a healthier heart and longer life.
Spanish Peanuts Help With Weight Control
Spanish peanuts are rich in fiber, which slow down digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. As a result, you don’t eat as much in subsequent meals or snack on unhealthy foods between meals. The nuts’ protein content also keeps you feeling satisfied for longer after eating them.
Spanish Peanuts Are Good Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Spanish peanuts are packed with vitamins and minerals to help promote your health. Note that you shouldn’t treat them as standalone meals (i.e., you probably don’t want to eat redskin peanuts all day, every day). Still, the following nutrients are worth your consideration.
- Vitamin E. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, nuts are a good source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E helps neutralize some of these harmful compounds, protecting cell membranes from damage that could cause disease.
- Folate. Folate is vital for cell maintenance and red blood cell formation. It also converts homocysteine to methionine, an amino acid your body needs to build healthy cells throughout the body.
- Manganese and copper. Spanish peanuts contain these in spades. Both of them promote healthy bones.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives nutrition facts for 100 grams (3.52 oz) of Spanish peanuts below. Please check the recommended daily intake for your age group to adjust your peanut consumption accordingly.
- Carbs: 16.13 grams (0.56 oz)
- Sugars: 4.72 gram (0.16 oz)
- Protein: 25.8 grams (0.91 oz)
- Fat (Monounsaturated): 24.43 grams (0.86 oz)
- Fiber: 8.5 grams (0.29 oz)
Where Do Redskin Peanuts Come From?
If you want to sample Spanish peanuts, you can find them sold as in-shell snacks due to their unique appearance and robust flavor. However, despite their name, Spain isn’t the only place where you can find them, nor will you only find them in Spanish dishes.
Redskin peanuts are grown primarily in southern states like Texas and Oklahoma. That’s because peanuts need between 160 to 200 frost-free days and temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) to grow, according to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council.
Conclusion
So there you have it: Redskin and Spanish peanuts are the same. The most outstanding feature of Spanish peanuts is how well they combine with familiar treats like peanut butter and peanut brittle. It’s no secret that they’re a healthy snack.
Not only do Spanish peanuts help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, but they also keep your weight under control and fill you with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, folate, manganese, and copper.
