QUALITY FACTORS IN EXPORTED PEANUTS FROM ARGENTINA, CHINA AND THE UNITED-STATES

In three crop years (1986-1988), peanuts exported from Argentina, China and the United States were evaluated for biochemical composition relative to flavor and shelf-life quality potentials and physical size conformity. Relationships were consistent in that oil stability was associated with high tocopherol and oleic/linoleic acid ratio, and with low free fatty acid, peroxide, carbonyl, and copper and iron content. Peanuts from specific origins had recurring component patterns, with highest indications for shelf life and flavor potential in United States samples. Although no single factor or group of factors can be relied on completely as predictors of flavor or quality, these data establish a significant positive relationship between oil quality factors and roasted peanut flavor quality potential. Argentina and United States peanuts were the most consistently sized, and China peanuts generally had the lowest count/weight.