The shell game

The following is a tip on traditional Korean language and customs in response to a query from a Mr. Barnum, who wrote to us from Seoul:

Q. Mr. Barnum:
I love peanuts in shells, and have ever since I was boy growing up in Tennessee. Peanuts are healthy for you, containing lots of protein. In my time in Seoul I have seen peanuts, in shells, sold on the streets. But these peanuts seem to come and go. They’re here for a few months, then gone for a few months. Is there a reason for this? What is the growing season for peanuts in shells in Korea? I am not talking about the peanuts that are sold in bags and that have already been shelled. Please help me if you can.

A. IHT-JAD:
The best season to try unshelled peanuts is in the fall. Traditionally, Koreans have eaten peanuts during major holidays, such as Chuseok in the fall and Seollal in the winter.

When peanuts are not found in the streets, they are usually vacuum-packed and sold in local wholesale markets. In Seoul, try food sellers inside Jungbu market on Euljiro 4-ga street, which is on subway line No. 2.