Yes! We love national ingredients days because it gets us curious about how it came to be. Yes, we have a passion for food innovation!
“The peanut plant probably originated in Peru or Brazil in South America. No fossil records prove this, but people in South America made pottery in the shape of peanuts or decorated jars with peanuts as far back as 3,500 years ago.” From the Incas (Peru) in the 1500 B.C. to tribes in central Brazil, they used peanuts as sacrificial offering and also to make a drink. When Europeans came to the New World they found it as north as Mexico. The Spanish took these back with them and from there, the peanuts found their way to Asia and Africa. Peanuts took the long road around to finally make its way to North America brought by Africans in the 1700s.
“Their popularity grew in the late 1800s when PT Barnum’s circus wagons traveled across the country and vendors called “hot roasted peanuts!” to the crowds.”… so the question remains: who invented peanut butter?
It was the Incas (South America) who were the first to grind peanuts to make peanut butter. It was not until 1895 that Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame) invented a version of peanut butter for the US market.
“Peanuts and peanut butter became an integral part of the Armed Forces rations in World Wars I and II. It is believed that the U.S. army popularized the peanut butter and jelly sandwich for sustenance during maneuvers in World War II.”
So what are the best uses for peanut butter? Spread on bread, toast, crackers, and my personal favorite, on a double stuff oreo. Make sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PBJ). Also smoothies, crepes, pancakes, desserts, granola, cookies, brownies, …
New trends such as using it as a butter substitute … but venturing further Realsimple.com suggest:
Make salad dressing: ” A smart way to use the bottom of your peanut butter container: drizzle dressing ingredients (like ginger, sesame oil, sriracha, and lime juice) directly into the jar, add the lid, and shake it up. Zero PB gets wasted, plus you can serve it on salad directly from the jar.”
Make dessert pizza: “Cover a pizza crust with a thick layer of peanut butter, then add fresh kiwi, berries, bananas, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, extra peanuts, and whatever else you like.”
Drizzle it over popcorn:”Heat peanut butter with butter, then pour over popcorn kernels and finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and cayenne. For a sweet snack, you can swap the S&P for cinnamon and sugar. Just don’t forget napkins.”
Use is as a gum remover: “Not an edible application, but peanut butter is a hero when it comes to removing gum. If you have gum stuck in your carpet, clothes or furniture, cover it completely with PB. Wait a few minutes for the peanut butter to work its magic.”
Add it to hummus:”Next time you’re making homemade hummus, swap peanut butter in for tahini. Spread on toast with sliced apples, bananas, or berries and a dash of cinnamon.”
Eat an Elvis burger:”This little-known burger hack is shockingly good—just spread PB on your bun instead of (or in addition to) other saucy condiments. If there’s bacon on there, too, we promise you won’t be mad about it.”
Thicken frosting: “Peanut butter icing is perfect on banana bread, scones, or served straight into your mouth on a spoon.”
Cook Satay skewers:” Peanut butter makes for the perfect dipping sauce for chicken skewers, but you can also mix it with garlic, lime, and soy sauce for a mouthwatering marinade.”
Mix into noodles: “Thanks to its salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture, Asian-inspired noodle dishes taste divine with peanut sauce. Best part is that you can serve them hot or cold.”
https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/peanut-info/history-peanuts-peanut-butter.htm
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/top-peanut-groundnut-consuming-countries.html