In restaurants and eateries, peanuts are often served to welcome guests. Why are peanuts such a beloved appetizer?
In ancient times, whether it was a tea house or an inn, upon entering, the staff would greet arriving guests with a plate of peanuts. Roasted peanuts were also an essential snack to offer visitors at home. Despite the abundance of various grains and nuts in nature, peanuts are more commonly used than pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts…
Familiar peanuts in meals. (Photo: Weibo).
The reason peanuts are chosen as the most popular snack is that they are widely cultivated in many Asian countries, yielding high productivity and thus have low costs. Their popularity in various countries ranks just below rice, wheat, and corn. While Europeans may have a higher tendency to be allergic to peanuts, such occurrences are less common in Asia, allowing most people to enjoy them without worrying about allergies.
Moreover, this snack can be served the fastest in restaurants and eateries. When guests enter, they can casually munch on a few peanuts while waiting for their orders. Common offerings include salted roasted peanuts, spiced roasted peanuts, and crispy roasted peanuts…
Peanuts have a mildly sweet and creamy flavor that is not overpowering, allowing the main dishes to shine. While waiting for their meals, guests can snack on peanuts, making conversations flow more naturally.
Finally, peanuts are rich in protein and can help reduce stomach and intestinal irritation caused by alcohol. If you drink on an empty stomach, having some peanuts can alleviate discomfort from alcohol consumption.
The vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids found in peanuts can protect the liver and mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol. Peanuts do not increase digestive burden, nor do they create a sense of fullness quickly.
Additionally, the crunchy and fragrant nature of peanuts makes them an excellent accompaniment to wine, enhancing digestion during meals.
