National Peanut Day – September 13

Who is the nuttiest person you know? That grouchy, un-fun uncle whose appearance is solely reserved for funerals? Blackbeard from Our Flag Means Death, whose maniacal laughs and frizzled beard serve as the source of nightmares to even the most hardened pirates? 

With their rugged pods bearing more resemblance to walnuts than lentils, peanuts may seem like the quintessential nut, but they are actually legumes and likely originated from Peru over three thousand years ago. Although peanuts themselves may not be as prevalent in the realm of snacking, the peanut butter derived from them has gained immense popularity in everything from dips to dessert filling. 

Whether you’re a dark mage intent on destroying the world or a simple baker, there’s something for everyone to celebrate on September 13 – National Peanut Day (unless you have a nut allergy). 

History of Peanuts

Whether as sustenance or decoration, peanuts likely held some symbolic significance in early Peruvian society. Yet, there is a darker side to this seemingly inconsequential snack, from an oppressive legacy of colonialism to the enslavement of Africans. The Spanish and Portuguese who arrived on the shores of the New World would eventually spread to the rest of the South American continent, Europe, and Africa. 

For years, peanuts remained a foodstuff for livestock and the impoverished lower-class, until some street vendors in PT Barnum’s circus began peddling a new novelty – hot roasted peanuts. During the Second World War, soldiers relied on peanut rations for sustenance. The ‘Peanuts’ creator, Charlie Schulz, was a war hero who took part in the liberation of the Dachau camp in Nazi-occupied Germany. 

From there on, its popularity took off, allowing the humble peanut to cement itself as a distinctly American snack. 

How to Celebrate National Peanuts Day

Despite their unassuming size, peanuts are packed with protein and are a great source of healthy fats and minerals. Below are a few ways you can incorporate peanuts into your diet and beyond. 

1. Incorporate Peanuts into Tasty Recipes 

Peanuts are a great way to add some unexpected crunch and texture into recipes – just not too much. If your local monastery’s peanut brittle makes you shudder, then it’s time to delve into some savory recipes that don’t involve you losing a tooth: Thai peanut noodles, peanut butter cookies, and its simplest iteration, peanut butters (which requires just two ingredients). Although it sounds intimidating, making homemade peanut butter is quite easy, and allows you to avoid the heavy amounts of sugar so prevalent in processed versions. For a twist, experiment with different flavors by adding honey, chocolate, or even sriracha. 

 

 

2. Make Peanut Art 

Make the best use of your seemingly endless mounds of leftover peanut shells by trying your hand at peanut art. Peanut shells can be cut in half, glued onto paper or paper plates, then painted over. With a little creativity and some paint, you can easily transform dull peanut pods into works of art: birds on bare branches, grains of wheat, beetles, and more. 

 

3. Eat Peanut Snacks   

Take a tour down the snack aisle of the grocery store, and you’ll encounter many snack foods that contain peanuts. Head down to the supermarket or better yet, the local sweetery, and treat yourself to some nutty snacks today, including those from different cultures. Those who prefer a simple treat can pick up a bag of roasted peanuts flavored with cinnamon while sweets junkies can grab a bag of chocolate covered peanut clusters. 

 

4. Support Local Farmers 

Peanuts are cultivated in the Southern belt of states, with almost half of the peanut crop grown in Georgia. If your location allows for it, support your local peanut farmers, whether by purchasing their confections or visiting local historic attractions dedicated to agriculture. 

Peanut Fun Facts and Trivia

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Trivia aficionados and fans of the Big Bang Theory can incorporate these fun facts about peanuts into their knowledge repository. 

Two American presidents – Jimmy Carter, and Thomas Jefferson – came from provincial origins. Both were peanut farmers before they were elected president.

Peanut isn’t just a name for your pet dog (or chameleon). Six American cities are named after it: Peanut, California; Peanut, Pennsylvania; Lower Peanut, Pennsylvania; Upper Peanut, Pennsylvania; Peanut, Tennessee; and Peanut, West Virginia.

• A twelve-ounce jar of peanut butter requires 540 peanuts. 
• A group of scientists in Germany managed to create diamonds from peanut butter by applying an immense amount of pressure, though they were immediately destroyed by the massive amounts of hydrogen that were released. 
• The beloved Reese’s peanut butter cups were started by Harry Burnett Reese, who went through an assortment of odd jobs before his chocolatey confection propelled him to fame. 
• Peanut butter is almost as ubiquitous as TVs – nearly every house has a jar of peanut butter in its pantry. Today, it’s estimated that 90% of American households consume peanut butter. 

Growing Your Own Peanuts

Believe it or not – peanuts can actually be grown at home in moderate climates – and even in northern climates with row covers. Peanuts require a constant temperature of 70 – 80 °F and well-drained soil amended with organic matter. They also benefit from hilling (like potatoes), which is why it’s recommended that you grow peanuts in raised beds more than one foot deep. When grown in raised garden beds, the dirt warms up faster, creating the ideal humid microclimate for them to become established.  

Spanish peanuts are the smallest variety and are usually used for confections and nut mixes. The most common variety, runner peanuts are medium-sized and uniform in shape – the ideal size for making peanut butter. Virginia peanuts are extra-large and can be found in specialty and gourmet butters, lending a natural balance of sweetness and nuttiness.  

Boiling peanuts are typically harvested 90 to 110 days after planting and 130 to 150 days for roasting varieties. The peanut should nearly fill its pod. To harvest, loosen the soil with a spade or hori hori knife, then pull the plants up with the pods attached.