Vietnamese peanuts: traditional harvest, health benefits, and culinary uses

Introduction

Harvesting

Drying & shelling

Health benefits

Culinary uses

Where to buy

FAQs

Vietnamese peanuts: A quick introduction

Close-up view of peanut plants captured from a low angle in a rural Vietnamese field

A peanut field in Vietnam during harvest season

Peanuts, known as “lạc” or “đậu phộng” in Vietnamese, thrive in Vietnam’s warm, tropical climate. You’ll find peanut fields scattered across the country, from the northern plains to the southern deltas.

Every year, around April and May, farmers roll up their sleeves and begin the peanut harvest. In the countryside, it’s a familiar and vivid sight — farmers working under the blazing sun, pulling peanut plants from the earth, drying them in the fields, and filling the air with the unmistakable scent of freshly unearthed crops. It’s a hard but deeply rooted tradition that connects generations across Vietnam’s rural landscapes.

How peanuts are harvested in Vietnam

A group of Vietnamese farmers working together to harvest peanuts, with some pulling plants and others separating peanuts from the roots

A team of Vietnamese farmers working together to harvest peanuts

Harvesting peanuts in Vietnam is still very much a hands-on, traditional process, especially in the countryside where small family farms are the backbone of agriculture.

When the plants are ready, usually after about four months of growing, farmers head out to the fields with simple tools — or often just their bare hands. They loosen the soil and carefully pull each peanut plant from the ground, revealing clusters of peanuts clinging to the roots.

A Vietnamese farmer hand-pulling peanut plants during the harvest season.

With bare hands and steady effort, a Vietnamese farmer pulls peanut plants from the soil

After the plants are lifted, farmers get to work separating the peanuts from the roots. It’s a simple method: the men gather bunches of peanut plants in their hands and thwack them against a hard surface, causing the peanuts to shake loose and scatter.

You can hear a steady thud-thud-thud as the work goes on, filling the fields with the sound of harvest. No fancy tools, no complicated machines — just strong hands and a lot of patience. Before long, big piles of freshly picked peanuts start to take shape, ready to be dried under the sun.

A Vietnamese farmer threshing fresh peanut plants by hand, striking them against a hard surface to separate the peanuts from the roots

Farmers beat peanut plants against hard surfaces to loosen the nuts

Drying and shelling Vietnamese peanuts

A Vietnamese farmer drying freshly harvested peanuts under the sun in a rural field

Peanuts drying under the scorching sun, as farmers rake them evenly for perfect crispness

After the peanuts are separated from the roots, they’re laid out under the sun to dry — a process that usually takes about 7 to 10 days. Farmers spread the peanuts in thin layers across large tarps, making sure they catch as much sunlight as possible.

During this time, the peanuts slowly lose their moisture until the kernels inside are completely dry. Once they’re ready, farmers crack open the outer shells by hand to reveal the firm, golden peanuts tucked inside. These peanuts are then either used for cooking, from savory dishes to sweet treats, or pressed into oil for use in everyday Vietnamese kitchens.

Nutritional profile and health benefits

1. Nutritional profile

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw peanuts, based on data from the USDA:

Nutrient	Amount
Water	4.82 g
Energy	551–588 kcal
Protein	23.2 g
Total Lipid (Fat)	43.3 g
Carbohydrates	26.5 g
Fiber	8 g
Calcium	49 mg
Iron	1.55 mg
Magnesium	180 mg
Phosphorus	380 mg
Potassium	636 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Zinc	2.78 mg
Copper	0.46 mg
Manganese	1.68 mg
Selenium	17.8 µg

2. Health benefits of peanuts

Findings from Healthline’s comprehensive review have shown that peanuts offer significant health benefits. Below, we’ve highlighted the main points for you.

High in healthy fats

A great source of plant-based protein, important for muscle growth and repair.

Packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Rich in antioxidants, comparable to the levels found in many fruits.

Can aid in weight management by promoting fullness and reducing overeating.

May help protect against heart disease, thanks to their heart-friendly nutrients.

It could lower the risk of gallstones, according to some studies.

How Vietnamese peanuts are used in cooking and snacks

Peanuts complete Mi Quang

A bowl of Vietnamese Mi Quang noodles topped with crushed roasted peanuts, showcasing a traditional Central Vietnam dish

A bowl of Mì Quảng topped with roasted peanuts

In Mì Quảng (Quang noodles), a sprinkle of roasted peanuts is a beloved finishing touch. Those golden peanuts do more than add texture — they bring a deep, nutty flavor that ties the whole bowl together. The slight crunch of the peanuts contrasts beautifully with the chewy rice noodles, tender chicken, fresh herbs, and savory broth. Without peanuts, Mì Quảng simply wouldn’t have the same signature character that people across Vietnam love.

Vietnamese peanut snack

In Vietnam, peanuts aren’t just used in cooking — they’re also enjoyed in a variety of everyday snacks. From salted roasted peanuts and crispy peanut brittle to đậu phộng da cá (coated peanuts with a crunchy shell), these simple treats are often found in markets, served with tea, or casually enjoyed at home.

Vietnamese roasted peanuts

A close-up of Vietnamese salted roasted peanuts served as a crunchy, savory snack. Lightly oiled and seasoned, this traditional snack is popular in homes and street stalls across Vietnam.

Vietnamese roasted peanuts – đậu phộng rang muối – are often prepared by tossing raw peanuts in a bit of oil, then roasting them slowly over low heat. A light sprinkle of salt is added while hot, helping the flavor cling. The result is a rich, toasty snack that’s crunchy and satisfying, commonly enjoyed with tea or beer.

Vietnamese peanut brittle

Another beloved use of peanuts in Vietnam is in kẹo đậu phộng, or Vietnamese peanut brittle. This classic treat is simple yet irresistible — roasted peanuts are coated in caramelized sugar and then pressed into thin, crunchy sheets.

You’ll often find peanut brittle sold in local markets, wrapped in clear plastic bags. Vietnamese peanut brittle has a light, crisp texture that breaks apart easily, releasing the deep, toasty aroma of roasted peanuts with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty — a simple pleasure that has been enjoyed across generations.

Đậu phộng da cá (crispy-coated peanuts)

Đậu phộng da cá is a crunchy Vietnamese snack made by coating peanuts in a seasoned flour batter and deep-frying them until golden. In English, it’s often referred to as crispy-coated peanuts, and it differs from regular roasted peanuts due to its crispy shell.

Peanut butter

In Vietnam, peanut butter is often eaten with bánh mì because it’s quick, simple, and satisfying. It’s also used to make a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls filled with pork, shrimp, noodles, and herbs. The sauce blends nutty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors — a perfect match for the freshness of the rolls.

Peanut oil

In Vietnamese kitchens, peanut oil is a common cooking staple, especially in regions where peanuts are grown locally. Known for its light, nutty aroma and high smoke point, peanut oil is ideal for stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing.

It enhances the flavor of vegetables, seafood, and meats without overpowering them, making it a favorite in home cooking. Many Vietnamese cooks prefer peanut oil for its ability to bring out the natural richness of ingredients while keeping dishes light and aromatic.

Vietnamese peanuts: Where to buy

If you’re looking to buy Vietnamese peanuts outside of Vietnam, check your local Asian grocery stores or Vietnamese supermarkets. You can also find them online through platforms like Amazon, Weee!, or specialty Asian food retailers.