What Are Peanut Shells: Main Uses and Characteristics

Peanut shells are the outer pods of peanuts, wrapping around the peanut kernels; they are obtained after the peanuts mature, are harvested, and then dried and shelled. They are light and loose in texture, mostly earth-yellow or light brown in color, and consist mainly of crude fiber, along with a small amount of protein and minerals.

By processing form, there are commonly clean shells, muddy shells, and processed shells that have been crushed or compressed. Peanut shells have fairly good water absorption and air permeability, but fresh shells are rather hard and do not decompose easily, so using them directly has limited effect; generally they need to be processed first.

Peanut shells have a wide range of uses. After crushing and fermentation they can be composted into organic fertilizer to improve soil and increase organic matter; they can also serve as a growing medium - for example, fermented peanut shells are often used to grow orchids (Orchidaceae), being loose and airy, which benefits root respiration and growth. In addition, they can be used as a crude fiber supplement in livestock feed, or as a raw material for biomass fuel and the like.

When using peanut shells, be sure to compost them first. Fresh shells mixed directly into soil will continue to ferment and generate heat, easily burning plant roots; before use as an orchid growing medium they should also be washed, soaked and fully fermented to avoid introducing pathogens and insect eggs. For everyday storage, keep them in a dry, ventilated place to prevent dampness and mold.