National Peanut Butter Day
National Peanut Butter Day:
Celebrated on January 24th, the National Peanut Butter Day recognizes the creamy or crunchy delight that has gained the status of a classic go-to spread.
| Year | Date | Day | Where |
| 2022 | 24th January | Monday | United States |
| 2023 | 24th January | Tuesday | United States |
| 2024 | 24th January | Wednesday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalPeanutButterDay
#PeanutButterDay
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on January 24th:
Why National Peanut Butter Day?
The Aztecs seemed to like to make a paste out of everything from cocoa beans to peanuts. So along with the Incas, Aztecs were also known to make peanut paste as early as 1000 BC. European explorers stumbled upon peanuts in Brazil, in South America, where the peanuts were cultivated up to North Mexico. The explorers took peanuts back home to Spain and then later exported them to Asia and Africa. In the early 1700s, Africans introduced peanuts to North America. In the US, peanuts were initially used as a cocoa substitute, food, or oil. Peanuts were hard to cultivate manually and were considered as food for the poor and were also used as animal feed.
It is speculated that peanut plants originated in Brazil or Peru since many of the pottery artifacts in south America were embellished with peanuts or made in their shape about 3500 years ago. The Incas of Peru used peanuts in their rituals and buried peanuts along with their mummies, perhaps for a nutritious afterlife. A drink made out of peanut and maize was also quite popular with the tribes of central Brazil.
In the 1800s, PT Barnum’s passing circus wagons with vendors calling out “hot roasted peanuts”, attracted much attention. Since then roasted peanuts were sold by street vendors during baseball games. By the nineteenth century, technological advancement and inventions eased the arduous labor requirements for cultivating and harvesting peanuts, thereby expanding the scope of the food item for retail or sales. After the civil war broke in, peanuts became quite popular among the soldiers as a protein substitute for meat that got easily spoilt.
Several people were involved in the making of peanut butter as we know it today. In 1884, Marcus Gilmore Edson from Canada came up with a process of making peanut butter paste by milling roasted peanuts between hot plates. Dr. John Harvey Kellog, the acclaimed food specialist, and cereal-maker made his version of peanut butter in 1895. According to a story, a monkey got into Dr. Kellogg’s lab and dipped his banana in peanut butter. During world war II, peanut butter then came to be known as monkey butter. Dr. Ambrose Straub, a St Louis physician is said to have developed a type of peanut butter as a protein substitute for geriatric patients who found it hard to chew meat.
Well, it took a chemist to bring us the ultimate form of peanut butter that continues to be popular even today. Joseph Rosefield, a chemist, worked on homogenization to keep the peanut oil and solids together. Rosefield then sold the patent to a company that began to sell the Peter Pan peanut butter. Later Rosefield began his own business selling the Skippy brand, catering peanut butter to the military during World War II.
The US is the biggest fan club of peanut butter and peanut candy. Empirical evidence suggests that peanut butter alone generates about 850 million dollars per annum in the US. Its nutritional value and affordability have made peanut butter an unrivaled American nutty sweetheart since its introduction. Peanut butter has come a long way from being regarded as an animal feed to the top-grossing sandwich spread the world has ever known. Besides, doing your tummy a favor by opting for peanut butter sandwiches instead of ham or burgers, you are reducing the carbon footprint, saving water and land. Some schools celebrate the day National Peanut Butter by serving only peanut butter sandwiches and so should you!
The long history of peanuts and peanut butter extends from South America to Asia. Peanut butter continues to extend its global outreach with numerous flavors and confectionery items that cater to peanut butter enthusiasts all around the world. If you haven’t tried peanut butter yet, read ahead, hopefully, you’ll be tempted.
How Can We Observe National Peanut Butter Day:
- Party With Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is so versatile that you can incorporate it in your salads, snacks, sauces, and even marinate your chicken with it. Try any of the trending peanut butter recipes and boost the flavor of your dishes.
- Peanut Butter Picnic
Go for a picnic with your friends and family enjoy your day out with your favorite peanut butter sandwiches and recipes.
- Make Your Jar Of Love
Get some organic peanuts and make your artisan peanut butter.
- Proclaim Your Love
Share your love for peanut butter through social media posts and your photos of National Peanut Butter Day celebrations using #NationalPeanutButterDay and #PeanutButterDay
Interesting Facts On National Peanut Butter Day:
Few Facts Related to National Peanut Butter Day
- Peanut butter is rich in protein, vitamin E, B6, niacin, calcium iron, and potassium
- Peanuts and peanut butter were rationed in the armed forces during World War I and World War II.
- Peanut butter was first unleashed in the US at the Universal Exposition. C.H Sumner sold out the new treats for 705.11 dollars at St Louis
- 540 peanuts are required to make a scrumptious jar of peanut butter weighing 12 ounces.
- People who are afraid of peanut butter sticking to the roof of their mouth are said to suffer from Arachibutyrophobia. This phobia results in nausea, heart palpitations, sweating, and tremors. Peanut butter sticks to the palate due to its high protein content
- Some many restaurants and shops sell only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches such as the PBJ in Los Angeles and Illinois based According to a survey conducted by Peanut Butter & Co in 2019, most people prefer smooth peanut butter, whereas 29% love the chunky ones and around 20% of the people would gladly dig into Mostly the men preferred the crunchy ones, whereas women and children were likely to go for the creamy version.
- Peanut butter and jelly has become a viral combo since the army got a taste of it. Even Astronauts don’t leave the planet without their share of peanut butter and jelly. The peanut butter and jelly jars are taped with velcro tapes due to the absence of gravity and bread slices are substituted with tortillas.
- “The peanut butter jelly time” jingle released by the Buckwheat Boyz became an internet phenomenon in 2002 and had been featured in shows like Family Guy and Fortnite.
- Due to the presence of healthy fats, peanut butter keeps you filled. Besides, the research from Harvard, Brigham, found that opting for food items with moderate fat, like peanut butter can help you keep to stick to your diet.
- According to Lifehackers, applying peanut butter on both bread slices before spreading the jelly can prevent the sogginess of the sandwich due to the moist jelly.
- On his daughter Lisa Marie’s birthday, Elvis Presley flew from Memphis to Denver only to get a sandwich known as the Fool’s Gold. The sandwich was made of sourdough with peanut butter, bacon, and blueberry jam filling.
History Of National Peanut Butter Day:
The National Peanut Butter Day was first celebrated in 1990 when peanut butter made its debut in the US. The National Peanut Board and the Adult Peanut Butter Lovers Fan Club are the prominent promoters who are involved in this event. Peanut butter being a delicious and healthy food is one of the best foods you can eat regularly and a great holiday you can observe.
