National Peanut Butter Day
National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated on January 24 which is a day dedicated to the creamy, crunchy and versatile condiment.
Whether you like it classic on a toast, in a sandwich or even as a part of salad dressings, noodle sauce, etc., peanut butter has made its place in pantries and hearts across the globe.
This fan favorite has been celebrated for years in the United States where it became a staple after being introduced during World War I as an alternative to protein.
This day celebrates the rich history and versatility of peanut butter, first invented by Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884. Since then, peanut butter has become a beloved staple, earning its own day of appreciation.
The Rich History of Peanut Butter
The oldest recorded use of peanut pasta dates back to the Aztec and Inca civilizations who used to ground roast peanuts. The peanut butter, we know of today is a result of several inventions and modifications.
There are three key figures credited by the U.S. National Peanut Butter Board with early patents. Marcellus Gilmore Edson of Canada got the first patent in 1884 for making peanut paste with heated surfaces creating something with similar consistency as that of butter.
George Bayle in 1894, a St. Louis based businessman sold peanut butter as a snack item and by 1917, peanut based products gained rapid popularity in the U.S. during “meatless Mondays” to conserve meat.
John Harvey Kellogg who was a health advocate patented a process for peanut based items in 1898 with the utilization of boiled peanuts for a chewable peanut source.
At first, peanut butter was labeled as a luxury food item that health institutes popularized. Contrary to popular belief, George Washington Carver did not invent peanut butter.
When his recipes were published in 1916, several methods existed for a long time.
Joseph Lambert who was working at Kellogg's health institute, and Dr. Ambrose Straub patented a peanut butter machine together in 1903. This contributed hugely to the production of peanut butter.
Joseph L. Rosefield, a chemist developed a way to prevent the separation of oil in 1922 that led to the creation of Peter Pan peanut butter and later his own brand, Skippy.
Rosefield’s innovations included a creamy texture and the first chunky peanut butter.
A sweeter version of peanut butter was introduced in 1955 by Procter & Gamble known as Jif that contained sugar and molasses.
In South Africa, peanut butter production began in 1926 with the Black Cat brand. In Suriname, a peanut dish called pinda-dokkunnu, similar to cheese, existed as early as 1783. This dish influenced the Dutch name for peanut butter, pindakaas (“peanut cheese”).
In the early 20th century, peanut butter became a popular protein source. By the 1940s, it was a staple in American households and an essential part of military rations due to its high protein and fat content.
The famous peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich also became a favorite snack among kids and adults alike, with Americans eating an estimated 1,500 PB&J sandwiches before finishing high school.
How to Observe National Peanut Butter Day
Start by indulging in different peanut butter treats, be it a classic PB&J sandwich, or adding it in your smoothie or just simply relishing it direct from the jar.
If you are in the mood for some adventures, you can bake some peanut butter cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or anything to satisfy your cravings. You can also make a salad with peanut butter dressing or some noodles with peanut butter sauce or a stir-fry.
If you want to go the extra mile, how about making your own peanut butter from scratch?
Interesting Facts About Peanut Butter
- Former President Jimmy Carter, once a peanut farmer, is a notable advocate for peanuts and peanut butter.
- Peanut butter made its way to space, accompanying astronauts on the Apollo 14 mission as a nutrient-rich snack.
- U.S. peanut butter must contain at least 90% peanuts to meet strict FDA labeling rules.
- Americans consume around 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year, enough to coat the Grand Canyon’s floor.
- The PB&J sandwich gained popularity in WWII, as soldiers mixed peanut butter and jelly for a convenient, tasty meal.
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