The Bambara groundnut is a traditional crop in sub Saharan Africa. It is thought to have originated in the northern areas of Nigeria and Cameroon in West Africa, but is now cultivated throughout the continent. It is the third most important legume grown in Africa after peanuts and cowpeas with West Africa producing 50% of the harvest. In South Africa, they are found in Limpopo and Kwa-Zulu Natal, and are also grown in neighbouring Swaziland.Bambara groundnuts are related to cowpeas but they are also very similar to peanuts. They start producing yellow flowers a month after planting and once the flowers are fertilized, the stems grow downwards to produce wrinkly pods. These pods contain one or two seeds and are found buried in the soil. The beans inside are almost round, with a hard shiny coat in a diversity of colours including white, cream, red, brown, black and speckled. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Bambara groundnuts contain a uniquely nutritionally balanced ratio of protein, good carbs and fats – making them known as an ideal “complete food”. Half a cup of Bambara groundnuts can provide up to a third of the plant-based protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus that an average adult needs each day, for general wellbeing. Bambara groundnuts are also a particularly good source of fibre, thiamine (vitamin B1), zinc and iron.
