Peanuts

July 20, 2010

In a health conscious society, keeping food both fresh and healthy is just a sound wave away. University of Florida researchers have discovered that by firing ultrasonic sound waves into roasted peanuts and then coating the nuts with edible protectants and antioxidant extracts like tea, not only can they extend the shelf life of the peanuts, but also make them healthier.

Dr. Wade Yang/UF Researcher: “During the coating we mix the natural extracts, like rosemary extract, tea extract, and also some other [like] pomegranate and the reason is to include antioxidants into the coating to prevent the oxidation.”

The process works by keeping oxygen from bonding with oils in the peanuts, preventing them from spoiling as fast as they normally would. Researchers say this preservation process is faster than most conventional methods and can extend the shelf life of peanuts up to 25%.

Dr. Wade Yang/UF Researcher: “Nowadays people are actually [looking] for natural products; some people don’t even like peanuts when you have a thick coating with like starch or something. And with my process you don’t see a lot of difference before and after the treatment.”

Researchers are optimistic about the technology and say it could be applied to other oily snacks as well.