Harvesting at optimal maturity is extremely important as far as flavor is concerned. We know from previous research and from the industry that when immature peanut kernels are processed, they develop a bitter or off-flavor taste.
The study is interesting because we've always heard that within the U.S. and across the world, consumers prefer the taste of U.S. peanuts, particularly the peanut produced in the Southeast. We pride ourselves on taste in the South.
with some of the temperatures we've had recently and the isolated rainfall we've had, a good two or three inches of rain widespread across the peanut belt would actually be a very positive thing for us.
Farmers and the peanut industry are always looking for more disease-resistant, higher-performing varieties.