WHAT IS A PEANUT?
In culinary terms this is a nut but scientifically it’s actually a legume (plants the bear fruit in pods). The peanut is the edible seed. The name originates from Colonial America when settlers described it as a pea that’s shaped like a nut! They’re also known as goobers, ground nuts, pindars and monkey nuts.
WHY ARE PEANUTS GOOD FOR YOU?
Compared to other legumes and beans, peanuts are relatively low in calories. Rich in animal-free protein, they are basically little bundles of mono and polyunsaturated fat (until roasted). They’re rich in biotin (good for pregnant women) as well as vitamins B and E.
WHEN ARE PEANUTS IN SEASON?
Due to having an unusually long growing season compared to most crops, they are a late Fall harvest. While this plant flowers above ground the peanut itself is below. This is why peanuts are not in the same allergen classification as tree nuts like almonds or walnuts.
WHAT KINDS OF RECIPES USE PEANUTS?
So peanut butter is the most popular recipe using peanuts to the delight of children and their parents all over the world. However there are many other fun applications. Check out Bon Appetites 25 Recipes Just for Peanuts!
WHO INVENTED PEANUT BUTTER?
George Washington Carver did not (though he often gets credit for it.) Historically the Aztecs were first to roast peanuts and grind them into a paste. Later Marcellus Edison patented peanut paste in Canada, to be followed by Dr. John Kellogg of Kellogg’s cereal in the States. But George Washington Carver is so closely liked to peanuts because he came up with over 300 different uses for this seed! To see some of his peanut recipes click here!