Ballpark Foods: How Peanuts Are Made

Introduction to Our Ballpark Foods Series

Welcome to our "Ballpark Foods" series! In this collection of informative articles, we delve into the processes behind some of the most beloved snacks sold at sporting events. From hot dogs to nachos, we aim to provide you with an insightful look at your favorite stadium treats. Today, we will unfold the intriguing story of one of the most iconic ballpark snacks: peanuts!

The Taste and Experience of Ballpark Peanuts

Peanuts at the ballpark are typically served in their shells, warm and lightly salted. When you crack open the tan, textured shell, you reveal two or occasionally three light brown nuts nestled inside. These nuts possess a rich, earthy flavor that combines both sweetness and savoriness. They are firm yet not overly hard, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite. The experience of cracking open peanut shells while enjoying a game, tossing the emptied shells onto the ground (if permitted by the stadium), enhances the enjoyment of this protein-rich snack.

How Peanuts Are Grown

Interestingly, peanuts are not classified as true nuts! They belong to the legume family, which also includes beans and peas. Peanuts grow beneath the soil, which is why they are sometimes referred to as groundnuts.

The cultivation of a ballpark peanut begins on farms primarily located in states such as Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Florida. Farmers plant peanut seeds in the spring when the soil temperature begins to rise.

Above the ground, peanut plants bloom with yellow flowers. After these flowers undergo pollination, they wither, resulting in the growth of a unique stem known as a "peg," which descends into the soil. Subsequently, the peanut pods form and mature underground, hidden from our view. This concealed growth process is what makes peanuts so fascinating!

From the Ground to Harvest

The growth cycle of peanuts spans approximately four to five months. When the time for harvest finally arrives, specialized machinery called "diggers" loosens the soil and uproots the entire plant. The plants are then inverted so that the peanuts can bask in the sun, allowing them to dry for several days right in the field.

Once adequately dried, another machine known as a "combine" detaches the peanut pods from the remaining parts of the plant. Farmers then dry the peanuts further until they reach an ideal moisture content of about 10 percent.

Processing Peanuts for the Ballpark

Following the harvest, peanuts are transported to cleaning facilities where machines eliminate dirt, rocks, sticks, and any damaged peanuts. They are subsequently sorted based on size and quality.

For peanuts destined for the ballpark, processors specifically choose larger peanuts that remain in their shells. These selected peanuts undergo a thorough washing process to ensure the shells are clean.

Next comes roasting, a crucial step that enhances the delectable flavor we all relish. Large roasting machines heat the peanuts to temperatures around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. During this process, the peanuts are stirred or rotated to ensure an even roast.

Once roasting is complete, the peanuts are allowed to cool before being lightly salted. Some processors apply a gentle steam to the shells to facilitate better salt adherence. Finally, the peanuts are packaged in bags or boxes, ready for distribution to stadiums and ballparks.

From Farm to Your Stadium Seat

The packaged peanuts make their way from processing facilities to food distributors and, eventually, to stadiums. At the ballpark, vendors may warm them slightly before offering them for sale to eager fans.

The entire journey—from the initial planting to arriving at your seat during the game—takes approximately six to seven months. So, the next time you hear the familiar cry of "Peanuts! Get your peanuts here!" you will appreciate the remarkable journey those peanuts undertook to reach you at the stadium.