Monkey Nuts

Monkey nuts are the dried seed pod of the peanut plant. Peanuts, native to Central and South America, are now widely grown and exported from warm tropical regions. The plant is a legume like peas and beans, with a curious was of producing its seeds. Following pollination, the yellow flowers with and the stalk elongates and buries itself several centimetres below soil level. There they continue to develop in the conditions they need - five months of warm weather and lots of rain.
The seed pods usually contain two seeds with a thin shell. They are harvested along with the roots and the entire plant, being let in the open air to dry. The seed pod, giving the monkey nut its unique appearance aids in nutrient absorption. It remains soft until the pod dries out. Only 10% of peanuts are sold with the pod on as monkey nuts. The raw peanuts inside have a milder taste than roasted ones and are a good source of protein, niacin, folate, manganese, and co-enzyme Q10 and other antioxidants.