Peanuts are awesome snacks for several reasons.  

They are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. They are also versatile, suitable for both sweet and savory snacks.  

Additionally, peanuts are affordable and have a long shelf life, making them a convenient and tasty option for various occasions. 

Peanuts are processed using various methods to create a diverse range of snacks with distinct flavors and textures. 

Blister peanuts and roasted peanuts are forms of processed peanuts that are eaten as snacks.  

In both cases, the peanuts are cooked and seasoned to enhance their flavor. 

So, what is the difference between blister peanuts and roasted peanuts? 

Blister peanuts are peanuts that have been boiled in water and then fried, while roasted peanuts undergo a direct dry roasting process. 

In this post, we’ll explore these snacks further and find out how to tell them apart.  

What are blister peanuts?

Blister peanuts are peanuts that undergo a specific preparation process that involves boiling and frying in oil or roasted. 

Peanuts are selected, cleaned, and then boiled to soften the shells. This also enhances flavor absorption. 

After boiling, the peanuts are drained and dried before frying them in oil. 

For blister peanuts, frying them imparts the characteristic blistered appearance hence its name. 

These peanuts also acquire a crunchy texture, as well as a distinct flavor.  

Some blister peanuts may be seasoned with salt or other flavorings before or after frying them. 

What is roasted peanut?

Roasted peanuts are made by dry-roasting raw peanuts, typically in an oven or on a stovetop.  

The process involves cooking the peanuts without oil until they achieve a golden-brown color and a roasted flavor.  

This method enhances the nutty taste and provides a crunchy texture. 

Roasted peanuts have a brown color, and the outer skin may darken during the roasting process. The nuts generally maintain their original shape but become slightly smaller due to moisture loss. 

The roasting process also gives peanuts a crunchy and crisp texture.  

Roasted peanuts have an intense nutty flavor compared to raw peanuts. 

These peanuts can be seasoned with salt or other spices to further enhance the overall flavor profile. 

Difference between blister peanuts and roasted peanuts

Appearance

Blister peanuts have a distinctive blistered appearance while roasted peanuts are smoother. 

This exterior appearance is due to the unique way that the blister peanuts are produced. 

Preparation

Blister peanuts are processed by boiling the peanuts first, softening the shells. After boiling, they are dried and they are either fried in oil or roasted, resulting in a blistered appearance, crunchy texture, and a rich flavor. 

On the other hand, roasted peanuts skip the boiling step. They are directly roasted at high temperatures, imparting a roasted flavor and crunchy texture. 

Texture

Blister peanuts tend to be crunchier than roasted peanuts, owing to the rough, blistered surface acquired during preparation of these peanuts 

What is parched peanut?

The term “parched peanuts” is synonymous with roasted peanuts. 

Roasted peanuts can also be referred to as parched peanuts, especially in the south where they are a popular snack. 

Parching peanuts also entails roasting them in the oven, however, these peanuts are typically roasted in their shells.