South Carolina boiled peanuts are a traditional snack made by boiling raw or green peanuts in salted water until they reach a soft, bean-like texture. The practice is believed to date to at least the 19th century and is associated with African and African American agricultural practices in the southeastern United States.
The process typically involves simmering the peanuts, often still in their shells, for several hours; methods and seasonings can vary, but salt is the most common addition. The peanuts are eaten directly from the shell, and the snack is particularly popular during the late summer and fall, coinciding with harvest periods.
In South Carolina, boiled peanuts are recognized as the official state snack food.