Peanuts are one of the most popular nuts during the holy month of Ramadan, thanks to their delicious taste and high protein and calorie content, making them a rich source of energy during fasting days. But, did you know that approximately 22% of the total annual peanut production is shelled, meaning it becomes waste?
This is the conclusion of a recent American study published in the scientific journal "The Frontiers," which stated that due to the waste of peanut shells and their conversion into food waste, the world loses more than 6.5 million tons of dietary fiber and 595,000 tons of plant protein, which could be repurposed as the food of the future.
An eco-friendly meat
Instead of recycling peanut shells to produce animal feed or even exploit them for biofuel, the US study suggests that peanut shells represent a "missed opportunity" in the food security sector, as they could be recycled to produce environmentally friendly meat rich in dietary fiber.
Researchers explain that peanut shells are edible for humans, as nutrients such as protein and fiber within the shells can be recovered through several methods, then processed into sustainable ingredients for a variety of foods, including plant-based meats and lab-grown animal protein.
Nutritional benefits of peanut shells
Peanut shells have many nutritional benefits. They are a rich source of fiber, which makes up more than 60% of the shell's weight, and protein (about 7%), in addition to phyto-nutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory medicinal properties, according to the study.
The study authors cite research demonstrating the potential of peanut shell extracts in treating cancer and high blood pressure, exhibiting anti-diabetic properties, and reducing the activity of pathogens, leading to the widespread production of medicinal peanut shell extracts and their use in the pharmaceutical industry in most regions of the world.
Peanut shells as a future food
Despite these benefits, the study indicates that peanut shells are currently not processed anywhere in the world. The researchers call on health experts and food manufacturers to exploit these wasted shells and bring them to market. Once consumers accept them as a food ingredient, they will become alternatives and food products that will help reduce food production costs and solve the food security crisis, especially in peanut-growing regions.
The study demonstrates that recovering lost protein from an alternative source such as peanuts increases the efficiency of current production systems and provides an additional source to meet the growing demand for protein in the market. Peanut shell protein concentrates can be used in several applications, such as as a protein base for laboratory-grown meat and plant-based dairy products, and can be added to beverages as a peanut-flavored protein supplement.
The researchers support their arguments and suggestions with the shells of hazelnuts and almonds, which are already used as a fiber- and protein-rich flour. Although peanuts are grown in larger quantities and their shells contain more protein, fiber, and nutrients than hazelnut or almond shells, peanut shells are not processed for human food use, unlike the shells of other nuts.
Just as almond and hazelnut flours are used in baking and snacks, the study suggests using peanut shell flour to make bread, cakes, crackers, and biscuits. The high-fiber peanut shell flour can enhance the texture of bread due to its strong bonding ability and high water absorption. At the same time, peanut shells also contain a high concentration of amino acids, some of which are associated with savory flavors such as grilled meat, allowing them to be used in foods to add a meat-like taste but from alternative and sustainable sources.
Advantages of reusing peanut shells
Peanut shells represent about a quarter of the total annual peanut production. Recycling them reduces food waste and provides sustainable alternative foods, supporting food security and strengthening the economies of local communities and small farmers dependent on peanut cultivation. Furthermore, they benefit from the health benefits of peanuts, which enhance human health and achieve many sustainable development goals.
Researchers explain that valorizing and reusing peanut by-products would significantly increase the amount of food available and improve current use of land, water, and energy.
Using shells to make sustainable meat alternatives also means significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as peanut production generates 97% fewer emissions per kilogram than beef and consumes significantly less land and resources. Therefore, using shells to produce human food offers a highly sustainable way to increase global food security.
