Celebrate National Peanut Day on September 13: A Tribute to the Mighty Peanut!
Get ready to go a little nuts over one of the most versatile and powerful foods on the planet—though, fun fact: the peanut isn’t actually a nut at all!
Originating in South America over 3,500 years ago, the peanut is a legume, not a nut, and it grows underground like a potato. Packed with plant-based power, peanuts deliver a hefty 8 grams of protein per ounce—more than any nut (though, remember, it’s not technically a nut)! Alongside this protein punch, peanuts are rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and B6, and essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Pair them with other nutrient-rich foods, and they even help boost your body’s nutrient absorption.
Historically, peanuts weren’t always a go-to snack. Early peanut farming was labor-intensive, and most of the harvest fed livestock. But when farm technology advanced, peanuts skyrocketed in popularity. Soldiers during the Civil War developed a love for them, and PT Barnum’s circus fans fueled the demand even more. But what really transformed the peanut industry was the introduction of mechanical planters and harvesters—much like how the cotton gin revolutionized cotton farming.
Enter Dr. George Washington Carver: The Peanut Pioneer.
When the South’s cotton crops were devastated by the boll weevil, Dr. Carver came to the rescue. His research on peanuts led him to urge farmers to diversify their crops, providing a lifeline to Southern agriculture. In 1916, he published “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption,” and his passion for this humble legume didn’t stop there. From shaving cream and cosmetics to plastics and even coffee substitutes, Dr. Carver’s groundbreaking work opened up countless uses for peanuts.
Over a century later, many of Carver’s discoveries still impact our daily lives—further proof that the peanut is more than just a tasty snack. It’s a powerhouse of possibility!
Here are 10 interesting facts about peanuts that might surprise you:
- Not a Nut: Despite their name, peanuts aren’t nuts at all! They belong to the legume family, which includes beans, lentils, and peas. Like these legumes, peanuts grow underground.
- Protein Powerhouse: Peanuts pack a serious protein punch—offering 8 grams of protein per ounce, more than any other “nut” commonly found in your pantry.
- Ancient Roots: Peanuts have been cultivated for over 3,500 years, originating in South America. Evidence suggests the ancient Incas even used them as offerings during religious ceremonies.
- Peanut Butter Popularity: The average American eats about 7 pounds of peanuts and peanut products a year, with peanut butter leading the charge. Peanut butter was first introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair!
- Peanuts in Space: NASA has a peanut tradition! Since the launch of the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, peanuts have been considered a good-luck charm at mission control, where they’re often handed out before liftoff.
- Peanut Farming Efficiency: Peanuts are one of the most eco-friendly crops. They require far less water to grow compared to other nuts like almonds, and their nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil quality.
- A Crop Saver: Dr. George Washington Carver, a renowned agricultural scientist, suggested Southern farmers grow peanuts when the cotton crop was ravaged by the boll weevil. His work led to the peanut becoming an important economic crop in the South.
- Rich in Nutrients: Peanuts are not only high in protein but also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and folate. They’re also a great source of antioxidants.
- Aerospace and Peanuts: Beyond the kitchen, peanuts have surprising uses. Peanut oil was even tested as a fuel alternative in early diesel engines by the inventor Rudolf Diesel himself!
- World Record: The world’s largest peanut butter and jelly sandwich, created in Grand Saline, Texas, in 2010, weighed a whopping 1,342 pounds!
