What Are Peanuts Without Shell Called? A Guide to Shelled, Blanched, and Groundnuts

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Though often called nuts, peanuts are technically legumes and are known by several different names depending on their preparation. If you've ever wondered what are peanuts without shell called, the most common term is simply "shelled peanuts," but they also go by alternative names depending on region and processing. Understanding the subtle differences can help you choose the right type for your culinary needs.

Quick Summary

Peanuts without their outer casing are most commonly called shelled peanuts, though they are also known as groundnuts in some regions. This guide explains the variations, from raw and roasted to blanched, and explores their uses and nutritional benefits.

Key Points

Terminology: Peanuts without their hard outer casing are called shelled peanuts.
Alternative Names: In many regions, particularly internationally, shelled peanuts are also referred to as groundnuts.
Skinless Variety: When the thin, papery skin is also removed, the peanut is called a blanched peanut.
Preparation: Shelled peanuts can be consumed raw or roasted, with roasting enhancing their flavor and crunch.
Versatile Uses: They are used widely in snacking, cooking, baking, and for making popular products like peanut butter.
Nutritional Value: Peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals, offering numerous health benefits.

What is a Shelled Peanut?

At its most basic, a peanut without its hard, inedible outer shell is known as a shelled peanut. The term refers to the raw or processed kernel after the initial shelling process. Once removed from the pod, the peanut kernel is still typically encased in a thin, reddish-brown, papery skin. Shelled peanuts are the version most commonly used for cooking, snacking, and processing into products like peanut butter.

Other Common Names for Shelled Peanuts

Depending on the region, culture, and processing, shelled peanuts may have other names. These include:

Groundnuts: In many parts of the world, especially in India and African countries, the term "groundnut" is used interchangeably with peanut. The name comes from the plant's unique habit of burying its fertilized flowers underground to produce its pods.
Blanched Peanuts: A blanched peanut is a shelled peanut that has also had its thin, papery skin removed. This is typically achieved through a process involving heat and friction, and it results in a smoother, milder-tasting peanut that is ideal for baking, confectionery, and making smooth peanut butter.
Goobers/Monkey Nuts: These are more informal or regional slang terms for peanuts, regardless of whether they are shelled.

Raw vs. Roasted Shelled Peanuts

Once shelled, peanuts can be prepared in various ways, with raw and roasted being the most popular options. While they are nutritionally very similar, the preparation method significantly impacts their flavor and texture.

Comparison: Raw vs. Roasted Shelled Peanuts


Feature	Raw Shelled Peanuts	Roasted Shelled Peanuts
Flavor	Milder, softer, and less intense nutty flavor. Can sometimes have a slightly earthy or bitter taste.	Deeper, richer, and more toasted nutty flavor. The roasting process enhances the taste and aroma.
Texture	Softer and chewier.	Crispier and crunchier due to the dry heat removing moisture.
Digestibility	Can be slightly harder to digest for some people due to natural enzyme inhibitors. Soaking can help.	Generally easier to digest as the roasting process breaks down certain compounds.
Use Cases	Great for making natural peanut butter, adding to sauces, and soaking for sprouting.	Best for snacking, trail mixes, confectionery, and baking for added crunch.
Nutrients	Retains all original vitamins and minerals, though differences are minimal.	May see very small losses in some heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin E, though overall nutritional profile remains similar.

Versatile Uses of Shelled Peanuts

Shelled peanuts are a staple ingredient in kitchens worldwide, prized for their versatility and nutritional content. Here are some of the most common applications:

Snacking: Roasted and salted shelled peanuts are a classic and convenient snack.
Peanut Butter: Whether homemade or store-bought, peanut butter is one of the most popular uses for shelled peanuts, utilizing both roasted and blanched varieties for different consistencies.
Cooking: They are a key ingredient in many Asian and African dishes, such as stir-fries, sauces (like Thai peanut sauce), and stews.
Baking and Confectionery: Shelled peanuts are used in a variety of desserts, including cookies, peanut brittle, and chocolate clusters.
Toppings: Crushed or chopped peanuts make a delicious topping for yogurt, ice cream, salads, and baked goods.

The Nutritional Powerhouse

Regardless of their name or preparation, peanuts offer significant nutritional benefits. They are a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals. The rich nutritional profile of peanuts has been associated with several positive health outcomes, including heart health, weight management, and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

For more in-depth nutritional information on nuts, including peanuts, you can refer to authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

The Process: From Plant to Package

The journey of a peanut from the field to your hands is a fascinating one. The peanut plant, a type of legume, produces its pods underground. Once the plant's leaves yellow and wilt, it is harvested, and the peanuts are dried. They are then shelled to separate the kernels from the hard outer pod. From there, they can be sold raw, with their skins intact, or undergo further processing such as blanching or roasting before packaging.

Conclusion

In summary, peanuts without their shell are correctly identified as shelled peanuts. However, the naming can vary based on regional preference, with groundnuts being a common synonym in many areas. If the thin, papery skin has also been removed, they are known as blanched peanuts. Whether you prefer them raw for their natural state or roasted for their enhanced crunch and flavor, these versatile and nutritious legumes remain a beloved staple around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the skin. Shelled peanuts have had their hard outer shell removed but retain the thin, reddish-brown, papery skin, whereas blanched peanuts have also had this inner skin removed.

Yes, in many parts of the world, groundnut is another common term for a peanut. It refers to the same legume, especially after it has been shelled.

The choice depends on personal preference. Raw peanuts retain all their original nutrients and have a milder flavor, while roasted peanuts offer a more intense, crunchy flavor and are generally easier to digest.

Yes, shelled peanuts are the ideal ingredient for making homemade peanut butter. Both raw and roasted versions can be used, with roasted yielding a richer flavor.

Blanched peanuts are preferred in confectionery, baking, and for making smooth peanut butter because their skinless, milder profile allows for a smoother texture and consistent flavor.

Yes, the nutritional value is virtually the same. However, the thin, papery skin found on some shelled peanuts contains additional antioxidants, so consuming it is slightly more beneficial.

Shelled peanuts, especially raw ones, should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer shelf life, they can be refrigerated for up to four months or frozen for up to six months.

The name 'groundnut' comes from the fact that peanut pods grow underground. After the plant's flowers are fertilized above ground, they burrow into the soil to mature.