Jamaican Peanuts
Growing Peanuts With Ms. Pat

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Jamaican Peanuts | Peanuts Farming In Jamaica

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

As you would imagine, based on the copious amounts of peanut butter consumed by the entire world, peanuts are in high demand. This makes peanut farming one of the most lucrative businesses in the world.

Although it isn’t done for peanut butter manufacturing in Jamaica, the peanut is definitely one of the most cultivated plants on the island, especially in southern St. Elizabeth.

This is where this video takes us as a matter of fact, to Hopeton, St. Elizabeth to meet Ms. Pat and learn all about peanut farming in Jamaica.

Watch Video! Peanut Farming In Jamaica

Where do peanuts grow best?

Sandy soils in warm climates are perfect for peanut farming which makes southern St. Elizabeth the perfect location for the plants.

How many days does it take for peanut plants to begin germinating?

It doesn't take very long within 5-7 days you should see the plants bursting through the soil. But, before that even happens you must prepare the land and plant the seeds.

The land is first cleared and then ploughed. The use of a tractor might be needed depending on the size of the land. Then you simply scatter the seeds and again, use a tractor to cover the seeds with dirt if the land is too big to do it yourself.

Now in 3-4 weeks, it should begin to blossom, when this begins to occur it is time to begin spraying it to ward off viruses and insects, worms especially. 

The peanuts take 12 weeks or 3 months to come to maturity. The brown spots on the leaves are a tell-tale sign that your product is ready to be reaped. 

All that's left to be done, is to pull the roots up, remove the pods and leave them out in the sun to dry for 4-5 days. How do you know when your peanuts are dried? The peanuts begin to "rattle in the shells when you shake them.

How long can dried peanuts last?

If they are dried properly, dried peanuts can last up to 3 years. In Ms. Pat's experience, the only concern has been what she calls "spring peanuts" which are simply peanuts reaped in the Spring season. She finds that spring peanuts often attract insects.

And that's pretty much it when it comes to peanut farming. From here, you can sell your peanuts as is or, you can shell and roast them first. That is if you planted them for sale. They could be from your personal garden just to use at home.

How many peanuts can you get from one seed?

Well, from just one seed, you can yield an impressive 25-50 peanut pods!

Who should avoid peanuts?

Some persons have fatal peanut allergies and even ingesting a small amount of plant or its by-products can prove to be deadly. Such persons should avoid peanuts altogether.

What can peanut shells be used for?

It is actually used as mulch for other plants because of its nutritional properties. Peanuts are known as one of the few plants that actually replenish nutrients in the soil. And because of this many farmers will plant peanuts in between crops to ensure that the next set of plants has adequate nutrients in the soil to grow.

Speaking of Nutrients, what is the nutritional value of peanuts?

Nutritional Value of Jamaican Peanuts

• Protein
• Fat
• Carbohydrate
• Dietary fibre
• Iron
• Calcium

Health Benefits of Jamaican Peanuts

• Heart Health
• Weight Loss
• Protein 
• Bone Health
• Skin Health
• Improves Vision
• Diabetic Friendly
• Prevent Gallstone

One interesting fact about peanuts; they aren't actually nuts. Despite having the word "nut" forming a part of its name, they are legumes by definition.

Popular Peanut Products

• Peanut Oil - both for cooking and skin care
• Peanut Soap
• Peanut Milk - plant-based milk alternative
• Peanut Flour
• and of course Peanut Butter.

These products aren't exactly our favourites in Jamaica though.

Popular Snacks Made From Jamaican Peanuts

Jamaican Peanuts | Peanut Snacks

• Peanut Porridge
• Peanut Soup
• Roasted Peanuts (sometimes salted)
• Peanut Drops
• Peanut Brittle
• Peanut Punch

Jamaican Peanuts | Jamaican Peanut Porridge

Jamaican Peanut Punch is very popular among the male population of Jamaica for the claims to boost the libido that surrounds the drink. It is often mixed with some malty, most times alcoholic beverage and oats to make a "power punch".

While I cannot confirm the claims and I tell you that the drink is absolutely delicious.

Peanut farming is something you should definitely try if you have the space and the time. But if you have neither, try one of our Jamaican peanut recipes, I’m sure you’ll love it.

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Return to Jamaican Fruits from Jamaican Peanuts
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Peanuts

References & Sources For Jamaican Peanuts

1. "Is that really how peanuts grow?" Peanut farming in Jamaica - with Ms Pat the widowed #Farmer!, https://youtu.be/eyKrkppMppU
   

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