Present status of peanuts and progression in its processing and preservation techniques

Peanut or groundnut is one of the major oilseed crops in the world. It is rich in oil and proteins. Developing countries account for about 95% of the world peanut production. Asia alone accounts for 70% of this amount where the major producers India and China together represent over two-third of global output. Traditionally, groundnuts are dried in open sun to its safe moisture level for storage. Natural and artificial (hot air drying) drying methods of groundnuts are being used throughout the world. Artificial peanuts drying devices consume very large amount of energy. In this paper, present status of peanut and a comprehensive review of its drying methods are discussed. Recent developments in preservation and storage of groundnuts are also highlighted