Peanut oil, also called by the name of arachis oil, is an edible vegetable oil extracted from peanuts. A widely used cooking oil in South Asian and Southeast countries, it is also popular in the western world. This all-purpose oil is known for its distinctive aroma, mild flavour and taste of its parent legume. Its high heat tolerance and high smoke point 450 degrees F (232.22 C), make it suitable for deep-frying and sauteing. Peanut oil is also a healthy oil for everyday use because it is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
Peanut Oil Composition
Peanut oil is about 50 percent monounsaturated and 30 percent polyunsaturated. Its major constituents are:
- Palmitic Acid
- Oleic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Arachidic Acid
- Arachidonic Acid
- Behenic Acid
- Lignoceric Acid
- Other Fatty Acids