What groundnut oil means
Groundnut oil is an oil made from peanuts, which are also called groundnuts because the pods develop underground. In the US it is called peanut oil, and it is also known as arachis oil. There are different types. Refined groundnut oil is pale, clear and almost flavourless, with a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning or smoking.
This makes it among the most popular oils for stir-frying, deep-frying and shallow frying. It is widely used in Chinese, Southeast Asian and Indian cooking, in British fish and chip shops and for frying chips, tempura, fried chicken and doughnuts, and in roasting. Because its flavour is neutral, it is also used in mayonnaise, dressings and baking. Unrefined or cold-pressed groundnut oil has a golden colour and a nutty peanut flavour, and roasted peanut oil is darker and more strongly flavoured.
These are used in dressings, sauces and dishes where the peanut taste is wanted, especially in Chinese and West African cooking, and they have lower smoke points. It is sold in supermarkets and Asian shops. You will see groundnut oil in stir-fry and deep-frying recipes.