National Peanut Day

Today is National Peanut Day!

Today is all about the peanut! Despite the name, peanuts are not nuts. They are actually legumes. Peanuts are mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The "fruit" of the peanut (the part of the peanut that most people think of when they think of a peanut) actually grows underground. 

Evidence has suggested that humans have been cultivating and domesticating the peanut plant as far back as 7,000 years ago. Many South American cultures, including the Moche, would depict the peanut in their art. This would lead to the Spanish conquistadors noticing it. From there, Spain would introduce the peanut to Europe, and from there, much of the rest of the world. It would be during the colonial era where the peanut would arrive in the future United States.

In the United States, peanuts were originally grown as garden crops and for animal feed. One man known for his fondness for the peanut was George Washington Carver. Carver, a scientist specializing in agriculture, championed the peanut as a way of refreshing soil that was exhausted from cotton farming in the South, as peanut plants were able to revitalize and restore soil fertility. The man also invented numerous peanut-based products like cosmetics. Funny enough, he didn't create peanut butter. That was thanks to Canadian pharmacist Marcellus Gilmore Edson. Edson created a peanut paste that was an early forerunner of peanut butter.

Peanuts have a high amount of protein, and as such, they have been used to help combat malnutrition. 

Yeah, peanuts are a very handy and versatile little nut. So enjoy some today...if you don't have an allergy, that is. If you do, I hope you still had a wonderful day. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! If you like what I write and want to give this blog some additional support, please make a donation to my Ko-fi! See you next time!