Written by Erin Porter
Why do we care about Valencia peanuts? If you searched “Do Valencia peanuts have less mold” than you already have an inkling about how just how moldy peanuts notoriously are. They not only contain mold, but the poisonous mycotoxin you are eating with the mold is called aflatoxin. Alfatoxin comes from aspergillus mold and according to cancer.org is group 1 carcinogen. That means aflatoxin is a known human carcinogen. So this is where Valencia peanuts enter the picture. Do Valencia peanuts have less mold, and is there a such thing as mold free peanut butter?
Valencia peanuts are mostly grown in New Mexico and because the climate is dry and they are grown in bushes above ground, they are less susceptible to aflatoxin. However, mold can grow on any peanut that is not stored properly or when exposed to moisture.
Read on and I’ll share some interesting facts about peanuts as well as what brand of Valencia peanut butter is best and why Valencia peanuts have less mold.
Alfatoxins Explained
As mentioned above, aflatoxin is the mycotoxin (mold poison) of the mold Aspergillus. Unfortunately, they can be found in our food supply and especially in corn, wheat, and peanuts. The mold mostly forms due to wet and warm growing conditions and/or bad storing practices.
Many types of mold can grow on our food supply but Aspergillus really came to our attention due to its carcinogenic, toxic nature. Aspergillus also become front and center in the 60s when over 100,000 turkeys mysteriously died. The cause turned out to be Brazilian groundnut meal affected by Aspergillus flavus.
Are Valencia Peanuts Aflatoxin Free?
As I stated above, Valencia peanuts are generally known to have lower levels of aflatoxin compared to other peanuts. However, it is not guaranteed that Valencia peanuts are completely aflatoxin-free, as the presence of aflatoxin can depend on various factors such as climate, storage conditions, and processing methods.
Aflatoxins are harmful to human health. They not only cause cancer but can also cause systemic fungal infections. Aspergillus, the mold responsible for aflatoxins, is also sometimes found in people who have chronic sinus infections. Check out my article titled Sinus Infections from Mold (From Someone Who Had 4 Sinus Surgeries).
How Mold Almost Destroyed My Life
If you are trying to eat an antifungal or candida diet such as the Kaufmann diet, check out my article What Can I Eat? If you are also curious as to what health issues mold can cause. I explain my decades long journey to get well after being exposed to toxic mold in my television interview below on Know The Cause with Doug Kaufmann.
Subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel so you never miss the videos that aren’t on my website!
Does Organic Peanut Butter Have Mold?
Organic peanut butter, like any food, has the potential to contain mold if it has not been stored properly or has been exposed to moisture. However, reputable manufacturers of organic peanut butter take precautions to prevent mold growth, such as using high-quality peanuts, storing them in dry conditions. Make sure you buy a certified organic brand with Valencia being the best choice.
Once you get your peanuts home, store them in a cool, dry place and to consume them before the expiration date. If you notice any signs of mold on your peanuts, such as green or blue patches or a musty smell, discard them.
What Nuts Have the Least Mold?
In general, almonds and hazelnuts have been found to have lower levels of aflatoxins compared to peanuts, pistachios, and walnuts. However, it is important to note that even within a particular type of nut, there can be variations in aflatoxin levels.
Which Peanut Butter is Best?
I don’t eat peanut butter too often but when I do, it’s always either Trader Joe’s Organic Crunchy Salted Valencia Brand or Pacific Beach organic Valencia Peanut butter.
Peanuts Often Contain Mold and Cause Allergies
Remember that people who have life-threatening allergies to peanuts should not eat any type of peanut or peanut butter. Some are of the thought that it’s the mold poisons itself that cause the allergic reaction more-so than the immune reaction to the food. Because all nuts (and legumes such as peanuts) could possibly contain mycotoxins, it’s safer to not eat any at all when you have serious allergies.
Check out my second edition book Eat Pray Get Well – A Journey from Chronic Illness & Brokenness to Wholeness & Healing. It can be purchased on my website, Amazon, and some retail stores. Update: Eat Pray Get Well is now also available on Kindle.
This post contains affiliate links. I do not recommend any product I do not use myself.
Related Posts
Recent Posts
If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue, Sinus Infections, Fibromyalgia, Food Allergies, Auto Immune Disease, Acid Reflux, Candida, Depression – this book is for you.
I have been fortunate to be featured on national Television including PBS American Health Journal, Know the Cause, CTN, ABC, NBC, CBS and more. I was sick for decades, endured many surgeries, took over 100 courses of antibiotics, and then I changed everything and everything changed. My book Eat Pray Get Well is about overcoming a tumultuous childhood, decades of chronic illness, and finding God in the process. Includes exclusive interviews with renowned Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, Supermodel Carol Alt, Doug Kaufmann, and many more. Plus 55 gluten free recipes woven throughout.
As an Amazon Associate EatPrayGetWell.com earns from qualifying purchases. EatPrayGetWell.com also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale and other sites. EatPrayGetWell.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.
Leave a Reply