10 interesting facts about peanut

In the past, peanut helped save the economy of the South, when Alabama’s cotton crop was devastated by the boll weevil. Nowadays, groundnut is viewed as an essential crop, both for the country’s economy and the planet, not to mentioning its nutritional qualities. Learn why.

 

1. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free. They’re a great plant-based option, containing more protein than any nut and several essential vitamins and minerals as well.

2. Peanuts are the most sustainable nut. From the roots to the hulls, no part of the plant goes to waste. They also have the most efficient water use carbon footprint.

3. Peanuts are the seventh most valuable crop in the US.

4. Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the US, accounting to half of the peanuts produced annually.

5. Have you ever wonder where the term “Peanut Gallery” comes from? The expression, which became popular in the late 19th century, refers to the section of cheap seats in a theater or the group of spectator seated there.

6. Mr. Peanut was created by 13-year-old Antonio Gentile in a logo contest held by Planters in 1916. He won the grand prize of $5.00. His drawing of a peanut person with arms and crossed legs was refined by a professional illustrator who added the top hat, monocle, white gloves and cane.

7. Two peanut farmers have been elected president of the USA: Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson and Georgia’s Jimmy Carter.

8. Did you know there are six cities in the US named peanut? Peanut, California; Peanut, Tennessee; Peanut, Pennsylvania; Lower Peanut, Pennsylvania; Upper Peanut, Pennsylvania; and Peanut West Virginia.

9. The average peanut farm is 200 acres, and farmers harvest 140 to 150 days after planting.

10. There are different varieties of peanuts worldwide. The US produces mainly four types: the bright red skin Valencia; the small Spanish; the large Virginia, known as “cocktail nuts,” and Runner, the king of peanuts, which accounts for 80 percent of the peanuts grown in the US.