Peanut Oil

AbstractThis chapter provides a background on the origin of the peanut, spreading of the peanut from its source of origin, and evolution of the peanut oil industry. A 30‐year summation of world peanut production, peanut oil and meal production, and utilization of these products provides an overview of the changes in sources of production and consumption that has occurred within this time period across the 11 major peanut producing countries. Over the last 30 years (1972–2002), there has been a 22% increase in the area harvested, a 51% increase in yield, and a 92% increase in total peanut oil consumption. Advances in oil extraction procedures are presented, as are advances in the development of the high oleic peanut oil sources. Compositional aspects of peanut oil are reviewed. Other subject areas are the use of peanut oil as a seed protectant, dietary aspects, and allergenicity.