Gujarat exports two main types of groundnut: Bold and Java. Bold is a large, elongated Virginia-type kernel. Java is a smaller, rounder Spanish-type kernel with a lighter pink skin.
Most export trade is in shelled kernels sold as HPS (hand-picked selected) and graded by size count. Within each type there are many named seed varieties, but buyers usually specify the type, the count and the quality, not the farm variety.
Bold groundnut
Bold kernels are long and flat with a tan to light red skin. They come from runner and spreading plant types that suit the black and medium soils of Saurashtra. Bold usually has the larger kernels and is commonly traded in counts such as 38/42, 40/50, 50/60 and 60/70.
Bold is popular for in-shell and roasted snacks, salted nuts, coated peanuts and the bird feed and confectionery trades. Buyers who want an even, large kernel for display usually choose Bold.
Java groundnut
Java kernels are rounder and smaller, often with a pink or light rose skin. They come from bunch-type plants with a shorter season. Java is commonly traded in counts such as 50/60, 60/70, 70/80 and 80/90.
Many buyers find Java sweeter and use it for peanut butter, blanching, confectionery and Asian snack markets. The full comparison is in the difference between Java and Bold peanuts.
What else Gujarat sells
- HPS kernels: shelled, size graded and hand-picked or colour sorted. This is the main export product.
- Blanched kernels: skin removed, whole or split, for peanut butter and ingredient use.
- In-shell groundnut: smaller volumes for roasting markets.
- Oil and meal: groundnut oil for food use and groundnut meal for feed, which are separate trades with their own specs.
- Machine-shelled and oil-grade kernels: lower grades sold for crushing or local use.
Where the crop comes from and how to choose
Gujarat is India's largest groundnut-growing state, and Saurashtra is its core. Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar districts all grow large areas. The kharif crop is sown with the monsoon and harvested roughly September to November, as covered in the groundnut harvest season in Saurashtra.
Farmers sell pods at APMC markets such as Rajkot and Gondal. Shelling and grading units buy the pods, shell them, grade the kernels and pack for export. Other states, including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, also grow groundnut, so your supplier may blend or source outside Gujarat in a short year.
Start from your end use. Ask what kernel size, shape, skin colour and flavour your process needs, then match the type and count. Do not rely on a variety name alone. Two lots of the same type can differ in oil content, colour and aflatoxin risk depending on the season and handling.
Ask each supplier for type, count, crop year, moisture, damaged kernel tolerance and aflatoxin result on the same sample you approve. Then compare lots side by side.
How we help
We visit groundnut shelling and grading units in Saurashtra, check how they buy pods and sort kernels, and have samples tested for aflatoxin at an NABL-accredited lab. To match the right type and count to your product, ask for a free sourcing review.