Did you know March is National Peanut Month? To commemorate this wonderful, useful holiday, I am going to talk about peanuts and their interesting facts!
Before we begin, I would like to start off with the background information on peanuts. The technical term for peanuts is Arachis Hypogaea. They are in the legume family, which is also known as the bean family. This plant is different from all other legume plants, because it grows their pods underground. Arachis Hypogaea is indigenous to South America, but is now grown in many places.
Peanuts have many uses for today's society. As one use, they are used for food. They are a great source of nutrition, containing protein and iron. They are also used to create peanut butter, which is well-known by everyone. They are contained in candy bars, baked goods, etc. Peanuts and peanut oil is also contained in different types of paint, cheese, ice cream, etc. Arachis Hypogaea are also used to feed livestock, which is a big part of our human diet.
Now, to the fun facts! Did you know?
- It takes approximately 540 peanuts to make a 12 oz. jar of peanut butter.
- Peanut butter was first introduced to the USA in 1904 at the Universal Expo in St. Louis by C.H Sumner.
- The average American consumes more than 6 pounds of peanut products each year.
- Americans spend more than 800 million dollars a year on peanuts.
- The peanut plant produces a small yellow flower.
I hope you guys enjoy "National Peanut Month", and don't forget National Peanut Cluster Day on March 8th!
Author's Note: Sources: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/peanut-info.htm, http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/classroom-funfacts.php
