I’m Nuts for Peanuts

“Take me out to the ballgame…. you can buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks.”

You may remember hearing this classic baseball song during the warmer months of the year. The song or snack may bring back pleasant memories. As mentioned in the song, peanuts are often served at events like baseball games. You may also find them at places like bars or just as a handy everyday snack. There’s more to them than meets the eye and since today is National Peanut Day, it’s a great time to dig in.

Commonly thought to be of the nut family, peanuts are actually considered to be legumes! This is because the seed, which is the part we eat, grows inside of a pod and the pod grows underground, unlike true nuts.

Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein, folate, vitamin E, vitamin B6, zinc, calcium, and iron; all important to your health! A versatile treat, peanuts can be included in your diet in several different ways.

Picking the Perfect Peanut

When shopping in the supermarket for peanuts, you’ll likely see a variety on the shelves. Depending on how they are processed, each variety will taste a little different from the other. Peanuts can be consumed raw, roasted, salted, or honey glazed. The closer they are to nature, the better they are for you.

Also, as a note, if you are cooking with peanuts, you should keep in mind the different flavors available as they will influence the flavor of your dish!

3 Ways to Eat Peanuts:

1. Straight from the shell:You can purchase a bag of shelled peanuts at your local supermarket. At home, you can enjoy them as you crack open the shell to get to the edible peanut.

2. Blend them into peanut butter:One of the main ways Americans consume peanuts is by eating them as peanut butter! Some local supermarkets blend peanut butter fresh on their premises. Otherwise, you can purchase peanut butter packaged in a jar. Be sure to read the label because some brands add unnecessary ingredients you can do without, such as added sugar.

3. Bake and cook with them:Peanuts can be included in homemade treats such as granola bars, trail mix, or cookies. Not only that, you can sprinkle some on top of your salad, morning oatmeal, or smoothie bowl.

Peanut Recipes

Here are some delicious ways to cook with peanuts:

Cabbage stir-fry with peanut sauce – check out my own recipe here.
Peanut and tomato stew
Kale salad with peanut dressing
Pad Thai with peanut sauce
Sautéed peanuts and veggies

Whatever you choose to do, just don’t be afraid to step out of your (peanut) comfort zone! You may be surprised to find you like the way your meals taste with a peanut sauce.

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you include peanuts in your everyday eating? Let me know in the comments below!