K-State Research and Extension

The Nut That Changed the World
      The peanut plant probably originated in Peru or Brazil in South America and slowing migrating north. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that peanuts were grown as a commercial crop in the U.S. They were first grown in Virginia and used mainly for oil, food and as a cocoa substitute. At this time, peanuts were regarded as a food for livestock and the poor and were considered difficult to grow and harvest.
      It was Dr. George Washington Carver founded an industrial research lab where he worked tirelessly on the development of hundreds of applications for new plants. Due to the single-crop cultivation of cotton, the soil of many fields throughout the South had become depleted and more or less worthless. Carver’s solution was twofold: 1) urge farmers to plant peanuts and soybeans, which could restore nitrogen to the soil while 2) also providing much-needed protein in Southerners’ diets. Carver discovered more than 300 uses for peanuts. Peanuts require less water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut, making them a viable option for farmers. Peanut plants have a unique ability to improve soil and benefit other crops. Peanuts are not only a sustainable crop, but they are also a smart addition to healthy, sustainable diets.
      I grew up in a peanut and peanut butter loving family so hearing Americans eat approximately six pounds of peanuts per year (½ of that as peanut butter) does not surprise me. I was surprised to find the leading producers and consumers of peanuts is China. Apart from oil, peanuts are widely used for production of peanut butter, candies, snack products, extenders in meat product formulation, soups and desserts. Peanuts are consumed all over the world in a wide variety of forms, most of which are traditional cuisine.          
      Can peanut butter be a positive part of your diet? Peanut butter is very nutrient-dense and provides 7 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. Peanuts are a source of mono-unsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat that may aid in heart health. Peanut butter is rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, vitamin B6, Niacin, magnesium, and manganese. The downside to peanut butter is the 190 calories, 16 grams (g) of fat, 7 g of carbohydrates for two tablespoons.
      Did you also know that most peanut butters have sugar added to them unless you purchase all-natural peanut butter. I am partial to a certain peanut butter that has been the number one selling brand for many years. What I didn’t know until recently is that they use 2% Or Less Of: Molasses, and fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (rapeseed and soybean).
      So, there are both positives and negatives with peanut butter in your diet. The same goes for peanuts. If you enjoy snacking on peanuts, choose the dry roasted and low salt varieties. Just a ½ cup of Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts contains 427 calories and 36 grams of fat. Compare that to 386 calories and 28 grams of fat in a 6-ounce sirloin steak.
      Peanuts are great sources of protein, delicious to eat but don’t forget they pack a punch in a little package!-