Picard's Peanuts

The chip nut, n. : a jumbo cocktail peanut, encompassed in a crunchy corn chip shell. Known to be incredibly addictive. Available in 16 flavour variations. Ideal around the card table, in lunch boxes, or in a bowl on your coffee table. Warning: tendency to disappear quickly.

Picard's was introduced to me by a friend at work who presented me with a bag of these things called "chip nuts". Upon trying my first sample I was hooked and needed to know where she got them. Expecting to be directed to the corner store or bulk food bin, I was both surprised and delighted to hear about a place that actually specializes in their production; I was excited to hear that it was in my own community. That night I stopped in on my way home and I've been back through their doors several more times over the past few weeks, leaving with something new each visit.

Though they have eight locations throughout Ontario, the one in which I have salted my cravings is in Morriston, just off highway 6 south outside of Guelph. The big blue barn located directly off the highway is hard to miss, and when you walk through the entrance, the first thought which comes to mind is "There's no way, this is all peanuts" but to make that assumption is to be somewhat wrong.

At first it's a little overwhelming, where does one begin in a barn full of peanuts? In which aisle do you take your first steps and peruse the vast selection of beer nuts, peanuts, peanut brittle, chip nuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, chocolate covered nuts, roasted nuts, peanut butter; allergy sufferers beware, this list goes on for days. With so many decisions in front of you, it might seem an impossible and daunting task to choose which variety to bring home, but the folks at Picard's seem to believe in the importance of knowing what you're buying before going through the till, and as such they have samples of everything available for you to try; and try I have.

Flavours range from plain salted peanuts to salt and vinegar, to wasabi, and habanero for those craving a little heat. No, correction, a lot of heat. I helped myself to a few of the habanero coated chip nuts and just about had a meltdown, so be forewarned. While every blend of flavour is enjoyable, my tastes have fallen for the hot chili and I've eaten my way through a number of bags already; I suggest you do the same.

Having become a staple in pantries across the province, their focus is obviously on the legume, but they do offer more than just peanuts. They also serve up fresh fudge, sponge toffee, and there's an ice cream counter at the front of the store. There are gift baskets ranging from all sizes, which they produce more of during the holiday season, and they have a wide variety of Swiss chocolate goods to make anyone happy. In other words, this place ingeniously fulfills every snack craving you could possibly encounter.

Picard's is a family run business, and has been producing local products for over twenty years now. They grow their own peanuts in Lasalette, Ontario, harvesting more than 90 acres of product each year at their own shelling plant (the first of its kind in Canada). From Fonthill to St. Jacobs, their name has carried itself through many happy communities in the province, with their newest location now open in Woodstock. Their products are very fairly priced, with a bag of peanuts averaging out at $2.99, and it seems they are constantly in the works of coming up with new varieties and flavour ideas.

You might not think a store whose focus and market relies solely on peanuts would be lasting or perhaps worth exploring, but I assure you by taking ten minutes from your day and stopping in, those perceptions will change and you will be thinking about which flavour you're going to try next. Whether you're hosting a party, baking through an afternoon, or you're simply in snack mode, Picard's Peanuts will be sure to serve all of your salty needs.

Picard's Peanuts

22 Queen Street,

Morriston, Ontario

with seven other operating locations.

http://www.picardspeanuts.ca/