Delicately roasted and seasoned, or churned into velvety peanut butter, the humble groundnut has earned its place as a cherished ingredient in Ghanaian cuisine. In Ghana, the market price of fresh groundnuts tells a story about economic dynamics, farming methods, and cultural value in addition to its culinary attractiveness.
Let’s explore the factors that affect this price as we learn more about this adaptable legume’s history, which has not only shaped lifestyles and traditions but also tantalised taste senses.
Market Price of Fresh Groundnut
Fresh groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are a staple in Ghanaian cuisine and culture. These small, nutty legumes are cherished for their rich flavour, nutty aroma, and versatility. Whether roasted and enjoyed as a snack on the streets, crushed into hearty groundnut soup, or transformed into creamy peanut butter, groundnuts are an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes.
Their unique taste and nutritional value make them a beloved addition to meals, while their cultivation provides income and livelihood for many local farmers.
Let’s dive into the uses, benefits, price and some factors affecting the price of fresh groundnut in Ghana.
Uses of Fresh Groundnut
Groundnut is an important crop in Ghana, and it is used in various ways. Here are some of the uses of groundnut in Ghana:
Source of cooking oil: Groundnut is commonly used as a source of high-quality cooking oil in Ghana, especially for frying foods due to the oil’s high smoke point.
Source of protein and oil: Groundnut is a source of protein and oil, which constitutes much of Ghanaian cuisine. It is also a source of cash for farm households as it fetches higher prices.
Peanut Butter/ Groundnut Paste: Groundnuts are used to make peanut butter, which is a popular spread in Ghana.
Ingredient in dishes: Groundnuts are used as an ingredient in some dishes in Ghana. These include Groundnut soup, ‘etor’, snacks, mashed yam etc.
Benefits of Fresh Groundnut
Here are some of the benefits of groundnut:
Source of protein and oil: Groundnut is a legume that provides protein to the body. Also, fresh groundnut can be used to produce groundout oil which serves as an essential and nutritious value to the many Ghanaian cuisines one wants to prepare and enjoy.
Higher profitability: Groundnut is prised for its higher profitability compared to commonly cultivated cereals such as maize and sorghum in Northern Ghana.
Antioxidants and heart-healthy fats: Groundnuts are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, which have various health benefits.
Source of income: Groundnut is a cash crop for farm households in Ghana, and it provides a source of income for farmers.
Price of Fresh Groundnut
The price of fresh groundnut depends on the location, seller and type. The groundnut comes in different types; comes in its husk or is taken out of its husk. Groundnuts in its husk are mostly boiled and sold as street food. The fresh groundnut out of its husk is mostly roasted.
The average price of a 100kg bag of groundnuts in Ghana is between GHS 500 to GHS 550. The retail price range for groundnuts in Ghana is between GHS 45 and GHS 75 per kilogram or between GHS 20 and GHS 35 per pound (lb).
Factors Affecting the Price of Fresh Groundnut
The price of groundnut in Ghana is influenced by various factors, including:
Season and market conditions: The price of groundnut in Ghana may change depending on the season and market conditions.
Transportation costs: The cost of transporting groundnuts from the farm to the market can affect the price of groundnut in Ghana.
Farming technology: The use of improved groundnut production technology can increase the yield and quality of groundnut, which can affect the price of groundnut in Ghana.
Cost of inputs: The cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and labour can affect the profitability of groundnut production, which can affect the price of groundnut in Ghana.
Where to Buy Fresh Groundnut in Ghana
Fresh Groundnuts can be bought at local markets in Ghana. Some of the popular markets include the Makola Market in Accra, Nima Market, Mallam Attah, Kumasi Central Market, and Tamale Market.
They can also be purchased online from some retailers like Reapp.com.gh or Farm Households in Ghana like Wigmore Trading.
Recommended Resources:
In conclusion, the market price of fresh groundnuts in Ghana reflects not only their economic value but also their cultural significance. As a vital ingredient in local cuisine and a source of income for many farmers, groundnuts play a pivotal role in the country’s culinary and agricultural landscape.
With their rich flavour and versatile uses, fresh groundnuts continue to be a beloved ingredient that connects communities, nourishes individuals, and contributes to the country’s overall food culture. The fluctuating market prices highlight the dynamic nature of agricultural commodities, reminding us of the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
