In Chinese culture, the peanut is often used as a symbol of longevity, abundance, and fertility. The peanut has been an important part of Chinese cuisine and medicine for centuries and is considered to be one of the most auspicious foods in Chinese culture.
what is the peanut?
Peanut, also known as groundnut, is a legume crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a small, oval-shaped nut with a thin, papery shell that grows underground. Peanuts are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are commonly consumed roasted, salted, or boiled and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, snacks, sauces, and desserts. Peanuts are also used to make peanut butter, which is a popular spread used in sandwiches and as a baking ingredient. Peanuts are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, China, India, and Africa, and are an important crop for both human consumption and animal feed.
where do peanuts grow?
Peanuts are widely grown in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. They thrive in warm, tropical and subtropical climates and are typically grown in well-drained sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Peanuts are commonly grown as a rotation crop with other crops such as cotton, corn, or soybeans, as they help to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
In the United States, peanuts are primarily grown in the southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and North and South Carolina. In Asia, China and India are the largest producers of peanuts, followed by Indonesia and Myanmar. In Africa, peanuts are an important crop in many countries, including Senegal, Nigeria, and Sudan.
Peanuts grow on small, low-growing bushes that reach a height of around 18 inches (45 cm). They produce yellow flowers that eventually develop into pods that contain the peanuts. Peanuts are typically harvested in the fall, when the leaves and stems of the plants have turned yellow and dried out. After harvest, the peanuts are dried, cleaned, and stored until they are ready to be sold or processed into various products.
where did peanuts originate?
Peanuts are believed to have originated in South America, specifically in the region that includes modern-day Brazil, Peru, and Suriname. The crop was domesticated around 7000 years ago, and evidence suggests that the Incas were cultivating peanuts in Peru as early as 1500 BC. Peanuts were then brought to Africa and Asia by European traders and explorers in the 16th century. Today, peanuts are widely grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, China, India, and Africa.
when peanuts come to China?
Peanuts were introduced to China by Portuguese traders in the 17th century, during the Ming dynasty. The Portuguese had established a trading post in Macau, a region in southern China, and they brought peanuts with them as a part of their trade goods. From there, the crop gradually spread to other parts of China, and today China is one of the largest producers and consumers of peanuts in the world.
what is peanut Chinese called?
In Chinese, peanuts are called “huāshēng” (花生), which literally translates to “flower fruit.” The name is derived from the fact that after fertilization, the peanut’s flower stalk elongates and bends downwards until it eventually buries the developing pod underground. When the pod matures, it is harvested as a fruit with seeds inside, which resemble flowers.
The alternative names for peanuts in Chinese include “luòshēng” (落生), “luò huāshēng” (落花生), “chángshēng guǒ” (长生果), “ní dòu” (泥豆), “fān dòu” (番豆), and “dì dòu” (地豆). In ancient China, peanuts were known as “chángshēng guǒ” (长生果), which means “longevity fruit” because they were believed to have a life-prolonging effect. While this belief may have been somewhat exaggerated, the nutritional value of peanuts is still widely recognized.
peanut in Chinese History
Peanuts have been a part of Chinese history for over 400 years. When the crop was first introduced to China by Portuguese traders in the 17th century, it was mainly grown as an ornamental plant in the gardens of the wealthy. However, as the nutritional and economic value of peanuts became apparent, they gradually became a staple crop for farmers throughout China.
During the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China era, peanuts were widely cultivated in North China and became an important source of income for farmers. In the 1930s, Chinese researchers began to study the potential health benefits of peanuts and found that they were a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Today, China is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of peanuts, with many regional cuisines featuring peanuts as a key ingredient. Peanuts are also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to have a variety of health benefits, including strengthening the immune system and improving digestion.
Peanuts in Chinese Archaeology
In the early 1950s, a group of seeds were unearthed from the Liangzhu cultural site in China. After being examined by the horticulture and seed research group of the Zhejiang Agricultural College, they were initially identified as possibly being seeds of broad beans, sesame, and peanuts. However, when the excavation report was officially published, it confidently stated that they were seeds of broad beans, sesame, and peanuts. This caused a great sensation in the newspapers, even though botanists such as Hu Xiansu had already expressed doubts. Later, there were reports of the discovery of peanuts in the Neolithic Age in Jiangxi, which was earlier than the Liangzhu cultural site.
As a result, the belief that broad beans and peanuts are native to China and not introduced from the Americas spread like wildfire. It was even included in the authoritative publication “Archaeological Discoveries and Research in New China” by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 1984.
In 1992, the agronomist You Xiuling, together with Japanese scholars, revisited the unearthed specimens at the Zhejiang Museum and found that they were not seeds of broad beans, sesame, and peanuts. Among them, the “sesame” seeds were actually melon seeds, which were repeatedly found in the Liangzhu cultural site in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Despite articles refuting these identifications being published one after another, the book “1421: The Year China Discovered America” published in 2000 still used these inaccurate materials to claim that “Many plant seeds, including peanuts, sesame, and broad beans, were found at the Qianshanyang and Shuitianfan sites of the Liangzhu culture, along with rice, which are believed to be native to America… It is believed that they could not have traveled such a great distance without the intervention of the Chinese.”
In 1990, archaeologists discovered the tomb of Emperor Jing of Han in the Weicheng District of Xianyang, Shaanxi Province. Despite being looted by tomb robbers many times, the experts still found a large number of grain particles in the tomb, including a few grains of corn and peanuts. This directly indicates that corn may have been present in China much earlier than previously believed.
peanut in Chinese Culture
Peanuts have played an important role in Chinese culture for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, peanuts are believed to have various health benefits, such as nourishing the spleen and stomach, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. Peanuts are also commonly used in Chinese cuisine, with dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, and Mapo Tofu often featuring peanuts or peanut sauce.
In addition, peanuts have cultural significance in China, particularly in the context of Chinese festivals. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, for example, it is customary to eat mooncakes, which often contain peanuts as a key ingredient. In some regions of China, peanuts are also a common snack during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year).
The Meaning of Peanuts in China
One of the meanings of peanuts is longevity, as they are also called “longevity fruit” due to their powerful anti-rotting properties. Since ancient times, peanuts have been used to symbolize longevity and immortality. Today, peanut jewelry is particularly suitable for elderly people as a sincere wish for their health and longevity.
Another meaning of peanuts is having children at an early age. As a symbol of celebration, peanuts are an essential part of weddings. The character “sheng” in the Chinese word for peanuts is the same as the character for “giving birth”. Therefore, giving a peanut jade pendant to newlyweds is the most sincere expression of wishing them to have children at an early age.
The third meaning of peanuts is having multiple children and good fortune. Peanuts are a multi-fruit plant, with many peanuts and seeds in each pod. Therefore, peanuts are often used to symbolize the wish for multiple children and the blessing of a large and happy family.
peanuts in Chinese new year
Peanuts are often enjoyed as a snack during Chinese New Year festivities in China. In many regions, roasted peanuts are a common offering to guests who visit during the holiday. Peanuts are also sometimes used in traditional Chinese New Year dishes, such as Kung Pao Chicken, which often contains peanuts as a key ingredient. In addition, some families may prepare peanut candies or other sweet treats made with peanuts to share with relatives and friends during the holiday. The significance of peanuts during Chinese New Year is often tied to their symbolism of longevity, prosperity, and good fortune, making them a popular addition to the holiday celebrations.
“Haoshi Huasheng” means good things will happen. The persimmon, because it hangs on the branches like a row of red lanterns when it ripens, is a common symbol of good luck during the Chinese New Year. “Haoshi” sounds similar to the word for “good things” in Chinese, and “huasheng” sounds similar to the Chinese word for “happen”, so Chinese people often say “Haoshi Huasheng” as a New Year greeting.
“One life, one persimmon” is a wish for lovers to stay together for a lifetime. “One life” in Chinese is homophonic to “one peanut”, and “one persimmon” sounds similar to “one lifetime” in Chinese. Therefore, “One life, one persimmon” is a wish for lovers to have a happy lifetime together. In English, it would be translated as “Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together with one persimmon.”
Peanuts at a Chinese Wedding
Peanuts are placed on the wedding table: because peanuts themselves represent having children, as the word for “peanut” in Chinese contains the characters for “birth” and “flower”, symbolizing that the newlyweds will be able to have children in various styles after marriage. Apart from the auspicious meaning of the characters, the surface of peanuts also has a thin layer of red skin. In China, red is a symbol of celebration, representing a lively and prosperous life. Therefore, peanuts are necessary to be served.
Putting peanuts on the wedding bed：In Chinese weddings, it is customary to sprinkle dried fruits such as red dates, peanuts, longan, and lotus seeds on the bed to wish for “early birth of a precious child” due to their auspicious homophonic meanings. In addition to these four foods, other items such as wheat and coins may also be scattered on the bed, all with positive symbolic meanings.
The “early birth of a precious child” items consist of four types of food: red dates, peanuts, longan, and lotus seeds.
Red dates represent “early” as it sounds the same as the Chinese word for “early.” It is a tradition that has been passed down from ancient times to the present, and the older generation believes that it symbolizes the early birth of a precious child. Red dates also symbolize a red and prosperous life, representing the hope for a better married life.
Peanuts represent “childbirth” as it sounds the same as the Chinese word for “childbirth.” The older generation believes that peanuts represent having many children and grandchildren, symbolizing a colorful, happy, and safe life. The nutritional value of peanuts also represents people’s yearning for a good life and a fruitful career.
Longan represents “precious” as it sounds the same as the Chinese word for “precious.” Longan is both nourishing and contains the meaning of wealth and nobility. Taking its symbolic meaning, it represents a precious child, so dried longan is also placed on the bed on the wedding day, symbolizing the hope for the newlywed couple to have a precious child soon.
Lotus seeds represent “continuity” or “proliferation of male offspring.” There is an ancient saying that goes “Lotus has its lotus root, and lotus root has its lotus seed.” This phrase implies that “the couple is a perfect match” as lotus root sounds like “lotus root,” which symbolizes a happy and complete marriage with many descendants. The thread inside the lotus seed symbolizes the continuity of love, and the heart inside the lotus seed symbolizes “the groom has a heart, and the bride has a mind.” Therefore, with the perfect match, the married couple will have a happy and successful marriage with many offspring.
Wedding custom of colorful peanuts:
The bride is carried out of her family’s home by her brothers on a chair, all the way to the wedding sedan or car without touching the ground of her family’s home. This symbolizes that the bride is now married and not taking any of the family’s bad luck with her, and that her fortune will only increase as she moves to her husband’s home. The elders dye peanuts in various colors and mix them with chestnuts and jujubes, which are then piled onto the bride’s bed. The bedspread, pillows, and even under the bed are filled with the colorful nuts, and children are allowed to come and touch them. The meaning behind this tradition is that jujubes represent the birth of a noble child, while peanuts represent the birth of both boys and girls. As people play with the nuts, they recite the following phrase: “One chestnut, one peanut, the big ones leading the small ones.”
peanut in feng shui
In Feng Shui, peanuts are considered to be a symbol of fertility and abundance. The shape of peanuts, which resembles two seeds joined together, is associated with the idea of double blessings and the potential for growth and expansion. Therefore, in Feng Shui, placing a bowl of peanuts in the home or workplace is believed to attract good luck, prosperity, and fertility. Additionally, the red skin on the surface of peanuts is considered auspicious in Feng Shui, as the color red represents good fortune and positive energy. Overall, peanuts are often used as a Feng Shui cure for enhancing fertility, promoting prosperity, and attracting positive energy.
peanut in yin and yang
In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, peanuts are believed to have a balanced yin and yang energy. Peanuts are considered to be a neutral food that can help to balance the body’s yin and yang energies. Yin and yang are opposite but complementary energies that are present in all aspects of life, including food. Foods that are considered to be yin are cool, moist, and nourishing, while yang foods are warm, dry, and invigorating. Peanuts are thought to have a harmonious balance of these energies, making them a healthy and nutritious food choice. In Chinese cuisine, peanuts are often used in dishes that combine both yin and yang ingredients, such as stir-fried vegetables with peanuts, to create a balanced and flavorful meal.
peanut in five elements
In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, peanuts are associated with the earth element in the Five Elements theory. The Five Elements theory is a concept that categorizes everything in the universe into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element is associated with certain organs, emotions, colors, and flavors, and can affect a person’s physical and mental well-being.
Peanuts are considered to be an earth element food because they are grown in the ground and have a grounding and nourishing energy. They are associated with the spleen and stomach organs, which are responsible for digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Peanuts are also believed to have a sweet and neutral flavor, which is associated with the earth element. In traditional Chinese medicine, eating peanuts is thought to strengthen the spleen and stomach, improve digestion, and nourish the body. Overall, peanuts are considered to be a nutritious and grounding food that can support overall health and well-being.
peanut in Chinese medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), peanuts are considered to have a nourishing and tonifying effect on the body. Peanuts are rich in nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, and are believed to support the health of the spleen and stomach organs.
According to TCM theory, the spleen and stomach are responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids in the body, and play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Peanuts are believed to strengthen the spleen and stomach, improve digestion, and alleviate digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition to their digestive benefits, peanuts are also believed to have a moisturizing effect on the body and can help to nourish the skin and prevent dryness. In TCM, peanuts are often combined with other herbs and foods to create tonics and remedies that support overall health and well-being. Overall, peanuts are considered to be a nutritious and healing food that can support digestive health and promote vitality in the body.
does Chinese food use peanuts
Yes, peanuts are a common ingredient in many Chinese dishes. Peanuts can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, and are often used as a garnish or seasoning to add flavor and texture.
In savory dishes, peanuts are often used in stir-fries, noodle dishes, and sauces to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. For example, Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that features diced chicken stir-fried with vegetables and peanuts, and is typically seasoned with a spicy and savory sauce.
In sweet dishes, peanuts are often combined with sugar or honey to make peanut candy or brittle, and are sometimes used as a filling for desserts such as mooncakes or tangyuan (glutinous rice balls).
Overall, peanuts are a versatile and commonly used ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and can be found in many different dishes depending on the region and style of cooking.
peanut butter in Chinese food
Peanut butter is not a traditional ingredient in Chinese cuisine, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in fusion dishes that combine elements of Chinese and Western cooking.
One example of a dish that incorporates peanut butter is sesame noodles. While sesame noodles are a traditional Chinese dish, some variations of the recipe include peanut butter as a key ingredient in the sauce. In these versions, peanut butter is combined with sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and other seasonings to create a creamy and flavorful sauce that is tossed with cooked noodles and vegetables.
Peanut butter can also be used in other dishes that feature peanut flavor, such as Kung Pao Chicken. While traditional Kung Pao Chicken does not include peanut butter, some modern variations of the recipe use a sauce that incorporates both peanuts and peanut butter for added richness and depth of flavor.
Overall, while peanut butter is not a traditional ingredient in Chinese cuisine, it can be incorporated into some dishes to add a creamy, nutty flavor and texture.
peanut oil in Chinese food
Peanut oil is a widely used cooking oil in Chinese cuisine and is valued for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It is commonly used in stir-fries, deep-frying, and other high-heat cooking methods.
Peanut oil is especially popular in Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, where spicy and bold flavors are prominent. In these regions, dishes are often cooked with a high flame and for a short time, which requires a cooking oil with a high smoke point that can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking.
Peanut oil is also commonly used in Cantonese cuisine for stir-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying. It is often used to cook seafood dishes, such as shrimp or scallops, as well as vegetable stir-fries.
In addition to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, peanut oil is also considered to be a healthy cooking oil. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which are believed to be beneficial for heart health and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
Overall, peanut oil is a versatile and widely used cooking oil in Chinese cuisine, valued for its high smoke point, neutral flavor, and health benefits.
Chinese peanut cake
Chinese peanut cake, also known as peanut brittle, is a sweet and crunchy snack made with peanuts and sugar syrup. It is a popular treat in China, particularly during the Lunar New Year festival.
To make Chinese peanut cake, peanuts are first roasted until fragrant and then mixed with a hot sugar syrup made with white sugar, maltose, and water. The mixture is then poured onto a greased surface or a piece of parchment paper, flattened with a rolling pin, and left to cool and harden.
Once the peanut cake is cooled and hardened, it is usually cut into small pieces and served as a snack or dessert. Some variations of the recipe include additional ingredients, such as sesame seeds or shredded coconut, for added flavor and texture.
Chinese peanut cake is a delicious and addictive snack that is enjoyed by many people in China and around the world. It is often given as a gift during the Lunar New Year festival and is also popular as a snack to enjoy with tea or coffee.
Peanuts vs. Soybeans
Peanuts and soybeans are both popular and important ingredients in Chinese cuisine. Here are some of the key differences and similarities between them:
Culinary uses: Peanuts are often used in Chinese cuisine as a garnish, flavoring or filling, especially in desserts and snack foods. They are also used in cooking, such as in sauces or as a coating for fried foods. Soybeans are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in dishes like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce. Soybeans can also be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Nutritional content: Both peanuts and soybeans are rich in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, but soybeans are considered to be a more complete source of protein, as they contain all the essential amino acids that the body needs. Soybeans also contain more iron and calcium than peanuts.
Health benefits: Peanuts are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while soybeans contain compounds called isoflavones that have been linked to a range of health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Environmental impact: Soybeans are generally considered to be a more sustainable crop than peanuts, as they require less water and can fix nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Peanuts and soybeans are both significant crops in Chinese culture and have been used in various ways throughout history. Here are some examples:
Peanut symbolism: In Chinese culture, peanuts are sometimes used as a symbol of longevity and good fortune. This is because the Chinese word for peanut (花生 huāshēng) sounds like the words for “life” and “birth” in some Chinese dialects. Peanuts are also a common ingredient in traditional Chinese desserts and are often given as gifts during the Chinese New Year.
Soybean products: Soybeans are a staple ingredient in many traditional Chinese dishes, such as tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce. These products are widely consumed throughout China and are also exported to other countries around the world.
Health benefits: Both peanuts and soybeans are valued in Chinese culture for their health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, peanuts are believed to have warming properties and are often used to treat conditions related to the lungs and digestive system. Soybeans are also considered to be a healthy food, with many Chinese people believing that soy products can help to prevent certain diseases and promote longevity.
Agricultural practices: In China, both peanuts and soybeans are important crops that are grown in various regions throughout the country. China is one of the largest producers of soybeans in the world and is also a significant producer of peanuts. Traditional agricultural practices, such as intercropping, are often used to maximize the benefits of these crops and improve soil health.
Peanuts vs. Grapes
In Chinese culture, peanuts and grapes also have different meanings and uses. Here are some examples:
Symbolism: Peanuts are sometimes seen as a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture, as the word for peanut (花生 huāshēng) sounds like the words for “life” and “birth” in some Chinese dialects. Grapes, on the other hand, are sometimes associated with abundance and prosperity.
Food: Peanuts are commonly used in Chinese cuisine, often appearing in dishes such as Kung Pao chicken and dan dan noodles. In contrast, grapes are less commonly used in Chinese cooking, but are often eaten fresh as a snack or used in desserts such as grape jelly.
Medicinal use: In traditional Chinese medicine, peanuts are believed to have warming properties and are often used to treat conditions related to the lungs and digestive system. Grapes are also believed to have certain health benefits, with some Chinese people using them to treat conditions such as constipation and high blood pressure.
Agriculture: Both peanuts and grapes are grown in China, with peanut farming being especially important in areas such as Shandong and Henan provinces. Grapes are also grown in several regions throughout China, with Xinjiang province being one of the largest producers.
peanuts dream meaning in China
Dreaming of peanuts suggests that your recent fortunes are good. You are a loyal person, and when facing difficulties, you will have many friends willing to stand up for you, which makes you feel warm. However, you lack perseverance in your career and are easily overshadowed by others. Your recent good luck comes from your own thinking. Sudden inspiration will help you solve problems easily. Using helpful tools can also yield good results.
Different people dreaming of peanuts have different interpretations:
For those born in their zodiac year of birth, dreaming of peanuts means that everything will be hindered, and there will be ups and downs. They should be cautious in their actions.
For those planning to go out, dreaming of peanuts suggests that they should go out early, or else they should wait for another half month before setting out again.
For those in love, dreaming of peanuts indicates that communication is needed, and there is hope for marriage. Don’t miss the opportunity.
For those preparing for exams, dreaming of peanuts implies that their grades in humanities may be unsatisfactory, but it won’t affect their admission results.
For business people, dreaming of peanuts means that they will succeed in gaining wealth and achieving their desires, but they should not expand their investments any further.
Interpretations of related dreams about peanuts:
Dreaming of planting peanuts is a sign of good fortune, and if your finances are flourishing, your career will go smoothly, and you can have long-term gains.
Dreaming of large peanuts suggests that recent love problems will be resolved, and all worries will be eliminated.
Dos and Don’ts when dreaming of peanuts:
Dos: doing household chores, watching the sunrise, and sharing tips.
Don’ts: bringing nail clippers, avoiding giving way, and crossing the road.
In Chinese culture, the peanut is often used as a symbol of longevity, abundance, and fertility. The peanut has been an important part of Chinese cuisine and medicine for centuries and is considered to be one of the most auspicious foods in Chinese culture.
