10 Facts About Peanuts And Their Many Uses

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Peanuts are an everyday snack, but their story is not ordinary. Peanuts have traveled through history, supporting multiple causes and industries. Curious how this favorite food has shaped lives and stirred changes across the globe? Here are the top ten facts about the journey of peanuts that will surprise you.

Ancient Peruans Cultivated The First Peanuts

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Long before peanuts became a staple snack in the US, ancient Peruvians were already enjoying them. Around 7,600 years ago, those early farmers domesticated peanuts in the Andean region of South America, where the climate was perfect for the legume. Peanuts were likely used not only as food but also in religious rituals.

George Washington Carver Made 300 Uses For Peanuts

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Carver was an agricultural scientist whose influence on peanuts goes way beyond peanut butter. In the early 1900s, he invented over 300 products made from peanuts, ranging from oils to soaps. His work helped revive southern farming by encouraging crop rotation, which ultimately improved soil health and provided economic stability for struggling farmers.

Peanut Shells Are Used For Green Packaging

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What happens to all the peanut shells after you snack on the peanuts? In some cases, they’re recycled into environmentally friendly packaging. The husks are biodegradable and can replace plastic in some products. So next time you grab a peanut snack, think about how the leftovers might be put to good use.

Peanuts Kept Soldiers Fed During World War II

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During WWII, peanuts were more than just a snack. The legumes were an essential part of the American war effort. The US government encouraged peanut farming and turned peanuts into a high-protein food source for soldiers abroad. Peanuts are also believed to have helped boost morale during long missions.

Peanut Butter Was Patented In The 19th Century

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It might feel like a modern invention, but peanut butter has ancient roots. In the 1800s, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the same inventor behind cornflakes, patented a method for making peanut butter. The butter was originally created as a protein substitute for people with chewing difficulties, but it soon changed into the spread we know and love today.

Peanut Oil Became A Biodiesel Energy Source

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Peanut oil has long been prized for its cooking properties, but did you know it also powers vehicles? Biodiesel made from peanut oil is one of the most eco-friendly energy sources. As a renewable resource, it helps reduce greenhouse gases. This sustainable energy option shows peanuts are also paving the way for a greener future.

Roasted Peanuts Became Baseball’s Favorite Snack

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If you’ve ever attended a baseball game, you’ve probably munched on some peanuts. The tradition dates back to the early 1900s when roasted peanuts were first sold at ballparks. That snack quickly clicked with the sport, partly because of its low cost and easy portability. They’re now as much a part of the game as the seventh-inning stretch.

Peanuts Help Treat Severe Malnutrition Worldwide

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Surprisingly, peanuts are also a lifesaver for people suffering from malnutrition. Due to their healthy fats and high protein content, these legumes are being used in therapeutic foods to help children in developing countries. Peanut-based pastes like Plumpy’Nut have saved thousands of lives, proving the potential of peanuts to fight hunger on a global scale.

Peanuts As JPL’s Lucky Charm

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NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory made peanuts a tradition during space missions. Peanuts, first introduced for Ranger 7’s success in 1964, became a good luck token for team JPL. Since then, those astronauts have been sharing peanuts during tense events. They add a lighthearted touch to groundbreaking space exploration milestones.

The Peanut Industry Supports Global Economies

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Peanuts are big business, but not just in the US. People grow them in many parts of the world, including China, India, and Africa. The peanut industry employs millions, from farmers to food manufacturers. It’s a global network that supports economies by creating jobs and providing affordable nourishment to countless homes.