The peanut variety grown by North Carolina Peanut farmers is primarily the Virginia type. The Virginia type is distinguished by its large oval shape and reddish brown skin. They are valued by consumers for their large size and beauty as well as their outstanding flavor and pleasing crunchy texture. Consumers enjoy North Carolina's peanuts roasted, salted in the shell, boiled, and in other processed forms. Americans consume over 12 pounds of peanuts per person per year.
Peanuts are high in vegetable protein and vitamin B, low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.
Since peanuts are a legume, they reduce the need for additional fertilizers as they return nitrogen to the soil as they grow.