Groundnuts, commonly known as peanuts, are a highly nutritious legume known for their rich protein content and healthy fats. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are significant producers of high-quality groundnuts. These nuts are versatile and used in various forms, including roasted, boiled, as peanut butter, and extracted for oil.
Groundnuts are a good source of vitamins E and B, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They are valued for their health benefits, including heart health, weight management, and diabetes control.
Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds sourced from the cashew tree, primarily grown in Kerala. They are known for their rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture. Cashews are nutrient-dense, offering high levels of healthy fats, protein, vitamins E and K, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. They are consumed as snacks, used in culinary dishes, and processed into products like cashew butter and milk.
Cashews are also known for their benefits in promoting heart health, bone health, and overall well-being.
Millets are small-seeded grasses that are highly nutritious and drought-resistant, making them an important crop in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Common types include finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), and sorghum (jowar).
Millets are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron and calcium. They are used in various traditional dishes, including porridges, flatbreads, and fermented beverages. Millets are praised for their health benefits, such as improving digestion, managing blood sugar levels, and supporting weight loss.
Oilseeds like sesame, sunflower, and mustard seeds are widely cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. These seeds are highly valued for their oil content, which is extracted and used for cooking, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. Sesame seeds are known for their rich nutty flavor and are used in both culinary and oil extraction processes.
Sunflower seeds are appreciated for their mild flavor and high vitamin E content. Mustard seeds, with their pungent flavor, are used in various culinary dishes and for oil extraction. Oilseeds are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, contributing to heart health, skin health, and overall wellness.