Groundnut is famous for its Indian name Mongphali. The groundnut belongs to the pea and bean family and is a legume but is considered a nut because of its high nutrition value.

The groundnut is the native of South America, where it has been cultivated for several countries. In the 16th century, the Portuguese took it from Brazil to other countries and it spread in India also.

Groundnut is the only nut that grows beneath the earth. They become mature in about two months when the leaves of the plant turn yellow.

The groundnut is particularly valued for its protein contents, which are of high biological value. Groundnut contains more protein than meat, two and a half more than eggs, and more than any other vegetable food. The proteins in groundnut are well balanced.