Nuts for Peanuts on Peanut Lovers Day!

Today, March 15^this National Peanut Lovers Day! Did you know that thepeanut plant originated in Peru or Brazil in South America about 3,500 years ago?

When peanuts were first discovered by the Europeans, they were being grown from Mexico all the way down to Peru. The Europeans took the peanuts back to Spain and it was there that they entered the trade market. From Spain they moved to Asia and Africa and soon after they were introduced to the rest of North America around 1700!

Now let’sfast forward to present day America, where peanuts are widely consumed! They are eaten raw, roasted, salted or coated as snacks, or even incorporated into a ton of different meals. Whatever way you love to enjoy peanuts, you can’t deny they are a great snack!

Peanut Fun Facts

Peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the USA.
In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg invented peanut butter. He originally marketed it as an alternative for people who had trouble consuming solid foods.
Since over 15% of the natural and healthy oils in peanuts are lost when they are roasted, they are the most nutrient-densewhen raw because you reap the most benefits from them!
Peanut/tree nut allergiesare one of the most common food allergies in the United States!

Peanut Approved Snacks

There are so many ways to enjoy peanuts – the list below are just a few ways!

Plain– Raw unsalted or lightly salted peanuts can be delicious! You can also add peanuts to a bag or bowl with raisins, almonds, dark chocolate chips or M&Ms for a yummy trail mix!

Roasted – You can buy roasted peanuts at the store or you can try roasting them yourself! This is a super easy process – simply buy raw peanuts, spread them out on a tray, sprinkle them with salt (or any other seasonings you like) and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes or until they are roasted to your liking.

Homemade Peanut Butter– Store bought peanut butter is great, but anything homemade is always ten times better! In order to make your very own homemade peanut butter, all you need is peanuts (of course), honey and a food processor! It’s a really simple process and totally worth it!

Granola– You can also add peanuts to your everyday granola or make your homemade granola bars. There are tons of recipes for granola bars online, but you can also buy pre-made granola bars with peanuts in them as well!

Whatever way you choose to eat peanuts, don’t be afraid to get creative!

Your Turn to Take Action: How are you celebrating National Peanut Lovers Day? Let me know in the comments below!