Peanuts offer numerous health benefits beyond their use as a snack. While people commonly consume roasted peanuts across the country, the people of Cox’s Bazar, the hill tracts, and the Chattogram region have a special fondness for steamed peanuts, a local delicacy steeped in tradition.
Fresh peanuts are boiled with salt and turmeric, giving them a vibrant yellow hue and a savory taste. This preparation dates back to ancient times when families prepared this nutritious snack for laborers working in the fields.
The addition of turmeric not only enhanced the flavor but also acted as a natural remedy to prevent gastric issues and ulcers. Packed with protein and energy, steamed peanuts became a vital source of nourishment for workers to sustain long hours of labor.
Today, steamed peanuts are widely available in Cox’s Bazar, from bustling bus terminals to popular spots like Kolatoli Beach. Vendors, often seen pushing carts or carrying baskets, sell this delectable treat, bringing a piece of heritage to locals and visitors alike.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Palash Sikder
