4 Tasty Recipes to Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day

Peanut butter is a nationwide sensation, and for a good reason. Whether you prefer it crunchy or smooth plain or with chocolate or jelly, we unite on January 24^th and pick our spreading knives to celebrate National Peanut Butter Day.

According to the American Peanut Council, peanuts are America's 12^th most valuable cash crop, and the market is valued at $1 billion. Most of the peanuts produced in the U.S. are for edible consumption. The most popular products are peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut candy. However, peanut butter accounts for half of the peanuts' use as a nutritious and economical spread for adults and children. ¹

Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins B6 and E, niacin,  iron, and calcium. ²  It is commonly used as a spread but also in making cookies and baked goods.¹

History of the National Peanut Butter Day

Initially, peanuts were considered animal feed until the late 1800s. It became widely used in the 20^th century owing to inventions in cultivating and processing peanuts.²

There is a theory that in the 1840s, Rose Davis started making peanut butter. Another theory claims that Gilmore Edison, a Canadian Chemist was the first person to file a patent for peanut candy in 1884.³ Edson invented a process of making peanut paste from roasted peanuts using two heated plates. 

Important dates

• In 1895, Dr. John Kellogg, a health food specialist, patented a method of processing raw peanuts into peanut butter. ² 
• In 1901, Julia Davis wrote the first peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe, which was published in the Boston Cooking School Magazine.³ 
• In 1903, Dr. Ambrose Straub filed a patent for the first ever machine for making peanut butter. ² 
• 1n 1904, peanut butter was introduced to the audience at the St Louis World’s Fair at the concession stand.³

The person who is known to create the peanut butter we use today is Joseph Rosefield. In 1922, Rosefield created a homogenization process that ensured peanut oil did not separate from peanut solids. He later sold his patent to a company that started making the Peter Pan Peanut Butter. 

Rosefield started Rosefield Packing Company, where he sold Skippy Peanut butter and is known for supplying the military during World War 2 . The delicacy became part of the Armed Forces rations during the war, and it is believed that the military popularized the use of peanut butter in the U.S.¹

George Washington Carver's Contributions to Peanuts and Peanut Butter

George Washington Carver, an African American scientist, educator, and inventor, is often referred to as the "Father of the Peanut Industry" for his groundbreaking work with peanuts. Born into slavery in the early 1860s, Carver rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a leading agricultural scientist. His innovative research on crop rotation and alternative crops like peanuts helped transform agriculture in the Southern United States, particularly for struggling farmers who were heavily reliant on cotton.

Carver's research on peanuts began as a response to the devastation caused by the boll weevil, a pest that was destroying cotton crops across the South. He advocated for crop diversification and promoted peanuts as an alternative that could replenish soil nutrients through nitrogen fixation. This approach not only revitalized depleted soils but also introduced a profitable new crop to Southern farmers.

Carver's contributions to the peanut industry extend beyond agriculture; he discovered over 300 different uses for peanuts, ranging from food products to industrial applications. His work included developing peanut-based products like cooking oil, dyes, plastics, soaps, cosmetics, and even nitroglycerin. Although he did not invent peanut butter (a common misconception), Carver popularized its use and advocated for its nutritional benefits.

Carver's extensive research and promotion of peanuts played a pivotal role in establishing the peanut as a staple in American agriculture and cuisine. His efforts helped create a market for peanuts, which significantly boosted the Southern economy and provided farmers with new opportunities. Today, his legacy is honored in the culinary world and beyond, as his innovations continue to impact agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition.

George Washington Carver's work with peanuts went far beyond creating new products; it also symbolized a shift toward sustainable farming practices and economic self-reliance for Southern farmers. His legacy is celebrated not only for his scientific contributions but also for his vision of agriculture as a means to empower communities and improve lives.

Interesting Facts about Peanut Butter

• The three most famous brands of peanut butter are Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan in that order and they control most of the sales.³
• About 72% of people prefer smooth peanut butter over chunky one. However, men are more likely to pick chunky peanut butter than women.³
• Women are more likely to pick the best performing brand. In contrast, men prefer to choose smaller ones.³

How to Observe National Peanut Butter Day

The best way to observe the day is to use peanut butter in all meals. Start with a smoothie or spread on toast in the morning, use it for salad dressing or a dip at lunchtime, and use it to make dessert for dinner. Don’t forget to share the meals with your friends and family, and also share your recipes on social media with the hashtag peanut butter and #NationalPeanutButterDay. Here are four tasty recipes you can try out.

1.  Peanut Butter Fruit Toast

Can we drop the plain and boring breakfast toast for a minute and try something new with peanut butter? The fruits and whole grain bread are everything you want for a healthy, sumptuous morning meal. 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients 

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1 cup sliced freeze dried strawberries
• 2 kiwis, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ¼ cup vanilla yogurt

Directions 

1. Toast bread until light brown for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Smear the peanut butter on one side of the toast. Add ½ the yogurt to the peanut butter.
3. Layer the fruits and drizzle honey for a sweeter taste. Serve!

2.  Healthy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

This peanut butter fruit drip is healthy, low-calorie, and low-fat. It goes well with crisp carrots and apples. 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients 

• 5 ounces. vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• ½ cup freeze dried apples
• ½  cup dried carrots

Directions 

1. Add peanut butter, yogurt, cinnamon, and honey to a bowl and whisk. Ensure to blend everything properly until smooth.
2. Fold the chia seeds in the dip. Serve with freeze dried strawberries, raspberries, apples, carrots, or bananas.

3. Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut butter cakes are ten times delicious. The wholesomeness of this oven-baked good will send you looking for a second serving.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients 

• ½ cup freeze dried raspberries 
• ½ cup freeze dried strawberries 
• 6 oz. all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 6 oz. almonds, ground
• ¼ cup 4 tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 whole eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (flakes)
• 2 oz. brown sugar
• 2 oz. melted butter

Directions 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
2. Rehydrate the berries. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar and mix properly with all the berries. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Add almonds, baking powder, peanut butter, and flour to a bowl. Whisk well and set aside.
4. Mix the remaining sugar and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth without lumps. Beat and add one egg after another while whisking. Add vanilla and salt and whisk properly.
5. Mix the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture in two batches. Ensure to mix it properly.
6. Add the berries into the batter while leaving 6-8 raspberries out. Fold them in gently.
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. A skewer inserted in the cake should come out clean to show doneness.
8. Allow the cake to sit for 5 minutes while still in the pan. Invert it to cool over a wire rack. Cut into pieces and serve.

4. Banana, Blueberry and Peanut Butter Smoothie

Bananas, blueberry, and peanut butter give a tasty yet healthy drink without too much sugar. Take it anytime, with anything!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ freeze dried bananas
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 cups milk
• A cup of ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup freeze dried blueberries

Toppings:

• Freeze dried blueberries
• Freeze dried banana slices
• Peanut butter drizzle
• Granola

Directions 

1. Add peanut butter, milk, bananas, blueberries, cinnamon, honey, and ice cubes into a blender. Blend for 3 minutes until smooth.
2. Add granola. Drizzle peanut butter and top with freeze dried banana and berries.

 Whether you like it crunchy or smooth, peanut butter makes a nutritious addition to your meals. Did you make these recipes? Do share your feedback in the comment section below. 

References

1. https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/peanut-info/history-peanuts-peanut-butter.htm#
2. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-peanut-butter-day-january-24/
3. https://nationaltoday.com/national-peanut-butter-day/

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