The peanut, often mistaken for a true nut, is scientifically a legume, belonging to the same plant family as peas and beans. This crop is a major agricultural commodity in the United States, grown primarily for its edible seeds and oil. Its cultivation is highly specialized, requiring specific environmental conditions that restrict where it can be successfully farmed. To understand its distribution, one must explore the distinct geographical areas where this crop thrives and how location influences the types of peanuts produced.
The Geographical Heart of US Peanut Production
The majority of US peanut production is concentrated within a region historically known as the “Peanut Belt,” which spans the southern portion of the country. This growing area is broadly divided into three principal geographic zones: the Southeast, the Southwest, and the Virginia-Carolina region. The Southeast region is the most dominant, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all peanuts grown in the US, with Georgia alone often producing over 50% of the national crop.
The key states in this southeastern concentration are Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The Southwest region, encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, forms the second-largest producing area, contributing about 18% of the total US harvest. The third area, the Virginia-Carolina region, includes Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Georgia is the clear national leader, followed by Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
The Essential Requirements for Peanut Farming
Peanuts require very specific environmental conditions to complete their reproductive cycle, which occurs underground. A long, warm growing season is mandatory, typically requiring between 120 and 160 frost-free days for the plant to mature. The seeds are planted when the soil temperature at a four-inch depth reaches a minimum of 65°F to 68°F for three consecutive days to ensure successful germination.
Ideal air temperatures during the growing period range between 80°F and 90°F. Temperatures consistently above 95°F can impair crop development by reducing flower set and photosynthetic activity. The required soil composition is equally important, as peanuts thrive in well-drained, light, sandy loam soil.
This sandy soil is necessary to facilitate the unique process of “pegging,” where the fertilized flower stalk, called a peg, elongates and pushes down into the earth. The peanut pod then develops and matures beneath the soil surface, requiring a loose, friable environment for proper growth. Adequate soil calcium must be available in this pegging zone for the pods to fill completely and avoid quality issues.
Connecting Location to Peanut Variety
The three main US growing regions specialize in different commercial market types of peanuts, known as Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia.
Runner Peanuts
Runner peanuts are the most dominant type, accounting for over 80% of US production, and are primarily grown in the Southeast (Georgia, Alabama, Florida) and parts of the Southwest. They are favored by the peanut butter industry due to their uniform size, which ensures consistent roasting.
Virginia Peanuts
The Virginia market type, known for having the largest kernels, is predominantly grown in the Virginia-Carolina region, specifically in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. These large peanuts are typically roasted and sold in the shell or used for gourmet snacks.
Spanish Peanuts
Spanish peanuts, which are smaller and have a reddish-brown skin, are mainly cultivated in the Southwest region, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. This variety has a higher oil content, making it a good choice for peanut candy and oil extraction.
Valencia Peanuts
Valencia peanuts, the sweetest type, usually have three or more kernels per shell and account for a very small percentage of the US crop. They are grown primarily in the high-desert region of New Mexico and are often used for all-natural peanut butter or consumed as boiled peanuts.