Peanut which is also popularly known as groundnut is a very popular food item in the world. Most of us thinks that it is a nut because of its name but actually it is a legume crop grown primarily for its seeds.
Whenever we talk about peanuts the Americans usually remembers peanut butter and obviously it is not shocking as most of Americans consumes in the form of peanut butters only in breakfasts.
And we all know that how important role that peanut butter has played in the lives of Americans and it wouldn't have been possible without peanuts, hence to honor these peanuts the United States celebrates its National Peanut Day annually on 13th September.
| Event | National Peanut Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 13, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | Recognizes the delicious taste of the peanut a legume crop. |
| Observed by | United States |
National Peanut Day History:
Peanuts, which are grown underground, have a long history, originating in South America over 3,500 years ago. The Arachis genus is native to South America, east of the Andes, around Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Cultivated peanuts arose from a hybrid between two wild species of peanut, thought to be A. duranensis and A. ipaensis.
From this primary center of origin, cultivation spread and formed secondary and tertiary centers of diversity in Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Over time, thousands of peanut landraces evolved.
The oldest known archeological remains of pods have been dated at about 7,600 years old and they were found in Peru, where dry climatic conditions are favorable for the preservation of organic material.
Many pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Moche, depicted peanuts in their art so this means that the cultivation of peanuts was well-established in Mesoamerica before the Spanish arrived.
Then from Spanish conquest of Americas the Europeans and later the whole world got introduced with peanuts. And during the colonial period only United States had become one of the largest producer of peanuts. Then when the peanut butter was introduced in the 1880s it gave a lot of popularity to the peanuts and its consumption skyrocketed.
National Peanut Day Significance:
We all have very sweet memories of childhood having peanut butters as our breakfast and this wouldn't have been possible without the peanuts. And today also many Americans prefers putting peanut butter in their breakfast or snacks especially on sandwiches and toast.
And it's not just about peanut butter, in fact peanut is also very largely used today in variety of different food items from ice creams to even soups and peanut butter too can be used as a condiment in various fast food items. Otherwise we can also consume peanuts in its raw form or by just boiling it as it is very tasty then also.
Peanuts are very healthy food item as well as they are abundant in lots of vitamins including B6, niacin, thiamine and vitamin E. Peanuts are also blessed with minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron and selenium. So definitely a very healthy food.
Along with these peanuts have a variety of industrial uses as well. Paint, varnish, lubricating oil, leather dressings, furniture polish, insecticides, and nitroglycerin are made from peanut oil. Soap is made from saponified oil, and many cosmetics contain peanut oil and its derivatives.
National Peanut Day Facts:
Now let's take a look into some of the best and most interesting fun Facts about peanuts:
- By law, any product labeled “peanut butter” in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts.
- There are six cities or towns in the US which are named as peanuts.
- Most women and children prefer creamy peanut butter, while most men opt for chunky.
- There are four different types of peanuts which are Runner, Valencia, Spanish and Virgnia.
- In a high-pressure environment, peanut butter can be turned into diamonds.
- It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
Most Searched FAQs on National Peanut Day:
1. When is National Peanut Day is celebrated?
National Peanut Day is celebrated annually on 13th September in US.
2. Is peanut a nut?
Peanuts aren't actually nuts, in fact they are legumes.
3. Does peanut increase weight?
Despite being high in fat and calories, peanuts do not appear to contribute to weight gain.