Peanuts: Argentine firm offers high oleic peanut

Georgalos Peanut World (GPW), a peanut brokerage firm that provides us with bulletins on Argentina’s peanut crop and export activity, sent a notice today that it is offering Granoleic peanuts, a high oleic runner. The nut’s oil runs 75% to 82% oleic acid, GPW reports, and the percentage varies with planting date, location and temperatures during kernel maturation.

Higher oleic acid content – compared to linoleic acid content – improves shelf life, plus oleic is considered a healthier component in human consumption since it’s associated with HDL or “good” cholesterol. The peanut has good eating qualities, too, the GPW memo stated.

Commercial cultivation of Granoleic started in the 2003-04 crop year, and some were exported from the 2004-05, GPW reported. In 2005-06 season, 15,000 hectares were planted.

GPW is offering Granoleics at $90 per metric ton over the cost of regular Argentine peanut runners.