I like peanuts. I am not allergic to peanuts (good thing). Salted in the shell, lately I’ve been favoring the Cajun Spicy ones (I think they mix Cayenne pepper with the salt). Regardless, the spicy doesn’t matter. Even with the standard salted in the shell peanuts, every once in a while, you come across one that is shriveled up, nearly black, deformed peanuts when you open the shell. My wife will throw these away! I love them. When I fine one, it’s like finding a four-leaf clover. Like a double-yolk egg. I love them!
Sure, they aren’t as big, they aren’t as sweet, but they are chocked full of flavor! Maybe not the best flavor in the world, but one of those little, shriveled-up, black nuts will fill my mouth with flavor for a long time.
I also like those “off” peanuts that have a more intense flavor. But quality varies in those off peanuts, some are great but others taste like ash and old dust. Also, I would not want a whole bag of them. They are great as flavor breaks but one after another would be a but much.
This.
I remember reading a long time ago that rotten peanuts could give you colon cancer.
Though I suppose what I think we’re calling “rotten” peanuts doesn’t necessarily mean they have this fungus. Still I’d avoid it.
I knew I couldn’t be the only one … yes, I’m late to this thread but also love strange shriveled crunchy peanuts, they have an interesting flavor, sometimes akin to a strong cheese, well that’s the best comparison I’ve got.
I’ve been eating the weird ones for years and have never become ill (knock on wood :)).
I don’t know the reason for these peanuts, whether they are atrophied, diseased, or over-roasted, but I would definitely eat a whole bag of them, could I find them. You only ever seem to come across them in the shell, luckily there seem always to be several per bag. Peanut lovers, go to Five Guys, free peanuts!! And to my mind, the best burgers.