The peanut is native to South America. By the evidence of fossil remains, paleobotanists have determined that the peanut's domestication must have taken place 8,000 years ago in the Amazonian basin and spread throughout Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru many centuries ago, where the wildest strains of peanuts grow today. Today most peanuts come from China and India, with significant production also coming from Africa, other Southeast Asian nations, and the United States. But, our heirloom jungle peanuts are imported from their ancestral home in Ecuador.

Our Raw Organic Jungle Peanuts are grown deep in the humid Amazonian basin by members of the native Achuar community. This small group inhabits parts of the Pastaza and Morona-Santiago provinces of Ecuador, near to the Peruvian border. Peanuts prefer a hot, humid climate, so these low-lying regions are perfect for peanut cultivation. However, because the area is so remote, there are few if any roads leading in or out of the area.

The indigenous Achuar people (numbering somewhere between 5,000 to 20,000 total) have lived on these lands for generations. The land, forest, and rivers have provided sustenance to the Achuar who have little need for anything that does not come from the earth on which the hunt, fish, gather, and farm.

These Jungle Peanuts are full of different flavors. You will find that most are crunchy and sweet, but occasionally individual nuts will be less crunchy with a slightly different flavor. This is because these are heirloom peanuts that are grown in the wild. Jungle Peanuts should not be uniform in either taste or appearance. They all have a tiger like pattern and as you can see some have darker stripes then the others.

Containing over 30% protein, our Raw Organic Jungle Peanuts are loaded with essential nutrients, minerals, and amino acids. Numerous studies extolling the health benefits of peanuts have been published over the years. These studies have promoted the ability of this humble nut to elevate metabolism, potentially lower LDL Cholesterol, protect against weight gain, and even reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

Fredrik Nyström, M.D., Ph.D., co-author of a Swedish study involving peanuts says "...the fatty acids in peanuts elevate metabolism, protecting against weight gain and its consequences in the body." (Men's Health, November, 2010:37) Joan Sabaté, M.D. participated in multiple studies on the healthful influences of nuts. One study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that daily consumption of nuts reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Triglyceride levels in subjects with Triglyceride levels of at least 150mg/dL. (Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(9):821-827)

Sabaté's other study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that "...subjects in the highest intake group for nut consumption had an approximately 35% reduced risk CHD incidence." The study also stated that "...in addition to a favorable fatty acid profile, nuts and peanuts contain other bioactive compounds that explain their multiple cardiovascular benefits. Other macronutrients include plant protein and fiber; micronutrients including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and tocopherols; and phytochemicals such as phytosterols, phenolic compounds, resveratrol, and arginine. Nuts and peanuts are food sources that are a composite of numerous cardioprotective nutrients and if routinely incorporated in a healthy diet, population risk of CHD would therefore be expected to decrease markedly." (J Nutr. 2008 Sep; 138(9):1746S-1751S.)

In addition, raw nuts are a significantly higher source of nutrients than some of their cooked counterparts. Boiled peanuts contain, on average, 3.8 grams of protein in every one ounce serving. An equal serving of Raw Organic Jungle Peanuts from Ecuador contains 8.9 grams of protein along with higher iron and potassium levels, making raw jungle peanuts an obvious choice. Ironically, like so many nuts, the peanut is not actually a nut; it is in fact a legume, though it is regularly categorized with other nuts.

Some possible benefits of our raw organic Jungle Peanuts may include:

● More than double the protein of common cooked peanuts
● Elevating metabolism
● Supporting healthy Cholesterol, & Triglyceride levels
● Protecting against weight gain
● Numerous cardioprotective nutrients
● Potentially helping to reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
● Being loaded with essential nutrients including potassium, calcium, magnesium, folate, & tocopherols; & phytochemicals such as phytosterols, phenolic compounds, resveratrol, & arginine

Suggested Use: Eat by the handful or add to homemade trail mix.

Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea

Other Names: Goober, Gguba, earthnuts, goober peas, pindas, jack nuts, pinders, manila nuts, and monkey nuts

Origin: Ecuador - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our raw Jungle Peanuts are certified organic and passe our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw Organic Jungle Peanuts packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Organic raw Jungle Peanuts in a cool, dark, dry place.