Want to get a true Southern experience while visiting Charleston? Order a bag of boiled peanuts – a true southern staples perfect for any season.
Peanut perfection
Boiled peanuts were most likely brought here by African slaves. During the summer months, the slaves would harvest peanut crops and the surplus peanuts would be boiled – an opportunity for families and neighbors to gather and socialize. Boiled peanuts became mainstream in the South in the early 1900s.
Boiled peanuts are made using green peanuts that are recently harvested and haven’t been dried. You can also use raw peanuts, which are uncooked but dried. They have to be soaked in water overnight before boiling. The water is salted and in go the peanuts. Some people add Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
On May 1, 2006, boiled peanuts became the official snack food of South Carolina.
Read more about the history of boiled peanuts at nationalpeanutboard.org.
Get ‘em fresh:
Peanut Dude
695 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant (GDC parking lot)
peanutdude.com
Timbo’s Peanuts
2484 Ashley River Road in Charleston
facebook.com/Timbos-Peanuts-310457123524
Mike’s Peanuts in Summerville
Check the website for locations: mikespeanuts.net
Also look for roadside stands and vendors at local farmers’ markets.