<P> Harvesting occurs in two stages: In mechanized systems, a machine is used to cut off the main root of the peanut plant by cutting through the soil just below the level of the peanut pods . The machine lifts the "bush" from the ground and shakes it, then inverts the bush, leaving the plant upside down on the ground to keep the peanuts out of the soil . This allows the peanuts to dry slowly to a little less than a third of their original moisture level over a period of three to four days . Traditionally, peanuts were pulled and inverted by hand . </P> <P> After the peanuts have dried sufficiently, they are threshed, removing the peanut pods from the rest of the bush . It is particularly important that peanuts are dried properly and stored in dry conditions . If they are too high in moisture, or if storage conditions are poor, they may become infected by the mold fungus Aspergillus flavus . Many strains of this fungus release toxic and highly carcinogenic substances called aflatoxins . </P> <P> There are many peanut cultivars grown around the world . The market classes grown in the United States are Spanish, Runner, Virginia, and Valencia . Peanuts produced in the United States are divided into three major areas: the southeastern United States region which includes Alabama, Georgia, and Florida; the southwestern United States region which includes New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas; and the third region in the general eastern United States which include Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina . </P> <P> Certain cultivar groups are preferred for particular characteristics, such as differences in flavor, oil content, size, shape, and disease resistance . Most peanuts marketed in the shell are of the Virginia type, along with some Valencias selected for large size and the attractive appearance of the shell . Spanish peanuts are used mostly for peanut candy, salted nuts, and peanut butter . </P>

Where are most peanuts grown in the us