The Fascinating Journey of Peanut Farming: Traditional vs Commercial Techniques

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Process of Peanut Farming
   1. Buying Peanuts from Farms
   2. Cooking and Seasoning Peanuts
   3. Elisha Barnes: The Last Commercial Peanuts Farmer
   4. The Manual Process of Planting and Harvesting Peanuts
   5. The Shocking Process
   6. Drying and Peanuts Separation
3. The Commercial Peanut Production Process
   1. Planting and Drying Peanuts
   2. De-shelling and Distribution
   3. Specialized Cooking Machines
   4. The Blister-Fried Process
   5. The Continuous Cook Process
4. The Chocolate Coating Stage
   1. The Upgraded Chocolate Enrober
   2. Watching the Peanuts Fly By
   3. Sealing and Packaging
5. Conclusion

👉 The Process of Peanut Farming

Peanuts are a widespread American snack, but the journey they undergo before reaching consumers is often unknown. This multi-stage process involves several companies, beginning with the purchase of peanuts from farms by de-shelling companies. Peanut brands like Hubs and Planters then cook and season the nuts to their standards before selling them to the public. However, one farmer, Elisha Barnes, still preserves the traditional method of hand-planting and shocking peanuts on a pole. With the majority of this year's crop harvested using modern techniques, Elisha and his team continue the manual labor using a tractor and pitchfork.

From the initial planting to the shocking process, Elisha explains the intricate details. After exposing the peanuts by shaking the dirt off, they are left to shock on the pole for around six weeks until they are fully dried. Elisha then removes the stakes with his tractor and prepares the vines for the picker, which separates the peanuts from the vines. Despite using a picker from 1920, Elisha has acquired the expertise to modify it continuously to fit his 1960s tractor. The dedication and techniques required are evident as Elisha shares his knowledge and passion for the age-old process.

👉 The Commercial Peanut Production Process

While Elisha Barnes exemplifies the traditional peanut farming methods, the majority of peanuts go through a more commercialized process. Peanuts are planted and dug by the acre, replacing the shocking stage with sun-drying. Harvested peanuts are then purchased by de-shelling companies, acting as middlemen or distributors. These companies de-shell the nuts and sell different grades to brands like Hubs, which prioritize top-of-the-line, extra-large peanuts.

The specialized cooking machines at Hubs differentiate their peanuts from other commercial brands. While top brands like Planters dry roast their peanuts, Hubs undergoes a water blanching and frying process, adding a unique blister-fried texture. The process, invented by Marshall's grandmother, sets Hubs apart. Employing a continuous cook process, this method ensures an even roast throughout.

👉 The Chocolate Coating Stage

Moving beyond the traditional and commercial processes, Hubs offers a variety of flavors, including the popular chocolate-covered peanuts. To handle this additional step, Hubs recently upgraded to a state-of-the-art chocolate enrober operated by David Golembeski, an experienced candy maker. This enrober uses approximately 250 pounds of chocolate to coat the peanuts. Any excess chocolate that doesn't stick is recycled within the machine.

After cooling, the freshly coated peanuts are sealed into cans. Each can receives a key, a symbol of the Hubs brand and essential for opening the can. David emphasizes that Hubs' plain salted and chocolate-covered peanuts are their most sought-after varieties. Watching the peanuts travel through the enrober creates excitement as they make their way to the end of the line.

Conclusion

The process of peanut farming involves various stages, from Elisha Barnes' traditional hand-planting and shocking to the more industrialized commercial operations. Despite modernization, Elisha carries on the legacy of his forefathers, demonstrating the labor-intensive process that has persisted for over a century. On the other hand, commercial production focuses on large-scale operations, using specialized machinery and techniques to meet the demands of popular brands like Hubs. The journey from the farm to the final product showcases the dedication of farmers like Elisha and the technical expertise required to create the perfect peanut snack.