The Amazing World of Peanuts
Historic of peanuts
Before I get into the history of peanuts, you should probably know that peanuts are not nuts. The “pea” nut is actually more closely related to peas. It is a member of the legume family. In addition, peanuts don’t grow on trees like nuts do. They grow above ground. They start with flowers and eventually dig holes in the ground. Underground is where they turn into delicious peanuts.
OK – where did these little guys come from you ask? Well, they are thought to have originated in South America …… probably Brazil or Peru. When the Portuguese started exploring the “New World”, they brought peanuts home with them. Portuguese traders brought them to Asia and Africa.
In the United States, peanuts became popular during the Civil War. Then around 1900, many mechanical devices were invented to help process the peanuts. As a result, their popularity increased even more. Speaking of inventions …… George Washington Carver invented more than 300 uses for peanuts, including medicine, ink, soap, shampoo, ice cream, and axle grease. Today, peanuts are eaten all over the world. They have become a huge money-making industry. In the United States alone, they contribute more than $4 billion to the economy each year!
Health benefits
Peanuts are packed with healthy stuff, including antioxidants, niacin, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, bioflavonoids, and protein, and they contain more resveratrol (which lowers LDL – aka “bad cholesterol”) than grapes That’s not all …… Some medical researchers say they can reduce the risk of heart disease and offer protection against certain types of cancer (colon, prostate, and breast).
Peanut trivia
- There are about 810 peanuts in an 18 oz. A jar of peanut butter.
- Americans consume 700 million pounds or 3.3 pounds of peanut butter each year …… which is enough to cover the floor of the Grand Canyon.
- Peanuts are unusual because they bloom above ground but produce fruit underground.
- Because peanuts are legumes, they return nitrogen to the soil as they grow, thus reducing the need for additional fertilizer.
- Peanut oil has a very high smoke point. This allows peanut oil to be heated to higher temperatures than most oils, making it an excellent choice for frying.
Dark side
Peanut protein can act as a powerful allergen, even in trace amounts. That’s why peanut allergies are the most common cause of food-related deaths in the United States. Some people may react relentlessly to inhaling the smell of peanuts. People can die from very small amounts.
So, if you are allergic to peanuts …… or think you might …… don’t venture near them. You can substitute almonds or any nut for any of the recipes below. For cookies …… You must make your own ‘nut butter.