Cooking 30 pounds of boiled peanuts is a big batch, but it’s easy to do with the right pot or outdoor cooker. One batch and you have peanuts for a LONG time!
A bushel of peanuts is roughly 30-35 pounds, which makes a huge batch of boiled peanuts—perfect for freezing or sharing! Here are some tips on cooking, storing, and estimating the number of quart bags you’ll get.
Tips for Cooking a Bushel of Peanuts
- Use a Large Cooker: An outdoor cooker, propane boiler, or a very large pot (like a crab or crawfish pot) works best to hold the full bushel and water for boiling.
- Adjust Salt Gradually: Start with about 1-1.5 pounds of salt, then taste and add more as needed once the peanuts have softened.
- Cooking Time: Boiling a bushel can take 6-10 hours, depending on peanut size and desired tenderness. The larger the batch, the longer it takes.
How Many Quart Bags?
A bushel of peanuts generally yields around 20-25 quarts of boiled peanuts once cooked. After cooking, drain the peanuts and allow them to cool before bagging.
Storing Boiled Peanuts
- Refrigerate: Boiled peanuts will keep in the fridge for up to 7-10 days. Keep them in their brine in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion cooled peanuts into quart-sized freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 6 months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat to enjoy!
Boiling a bushel of peanuts is a big undertaking, but with these storage methods, you can enjoy them for months! This batch will make plenty for gatherings or to save for snacking!
Cook 30 Pounds of Boiled Peanuts
Cooking 30 pounds of boiled peanuts is a big batch, but it’s easy to do with the right pot or outdoor cooker.
Ingredients
- 30 pounds of raw peanuts in-shell
- 3-4 pounds of salt or to taste
- Water to cover
Instructions
- Rinse the Peanuts: Place peanuts in a large pot and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Soak the Peanuts (optional but recommended): Fill the pot with water and soak the peanuts for several hours or overnight. This will help them cook faster.
- Prepare to Boil: Drain the soaking water, then refill the pot with fresh water to fully cover the peanuts. Add salt (start with about 1 pound, then add more to taste).
- Cook the Peanuts: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the peanuts simmer. It will take anywhere from 4-10 hours, depending on your desired softness and peanut size. Stir occasionally and check for tenderness.
- Taste and Adjust Salt: Once the peanuts are nearly done, taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Serve or Store: Once the peanuts reach your desired tenderness, remove them from heat and let them cool slightly. Serve hot, or store in their brine to keep them flavorful.
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