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The Wonderful World of Peanuts |
by:
Lara Velez |
By: Lara Velez
HISTORY
Before I begin with the history of peanuts you should probably know that the peanut isn't a nut. The "pea"nut is actually more closely related to the pea. It is a member of the legumes family. Also, peanuts do not grow in trees like nuts do. They grow on the ground. They start out as flowers, also eventually wind up burrowing underground. Under ground is where they become a delicious peanut.
OK - so where did these little guys come from you ask? Well, they are thought to have originated in South America...possibly Brazil or Peru. When the Portuguese began to explore "The New World," they took peanuts back home with them. Portuguese traders took them as far as Asia also Africa.
In the USA, peanuts became popular during the Civil War. Then around the 1900's many mechanical devices were invented to help with the processing of peanuts. As a result their popularity increased even more. Speaking of inventions...George Washington Carver invented over 300 uses for the peanut, including; medicine, ink, soap, shampoo, ice-cream, also axle grease.
Today, peanuts are eaten all over the world. They have become a huge money making industry. In the USA alone they contribute well over four billion dollars yearly to the economy
PEANUT TRIVIA
Americans consume 700 million pounds or 3.3 pounds per person, of peanut butter per year….that is enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon.
To enhance the flavor of a cola drink, Southerners put peanuts into the bottle.
There are approximately 810 peanuts in an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter.
The peanut is unusual because it flowers above the ground, however fruits below the ground.
Peanut oil has a very high smoking point. This allows peanut oil to be heated to a higher temperature than most oils, making it an excellent choice for frying.
Since peanuts are a legume, they reduce the need for additional fertilizers as they return nitrogen to the soil as they grow.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Peanuts are packed full of healthy stuff, including; antioxidants, niacin,
Vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, bioflavnoids, protein, also they have more resveratrol than grapes (which lowers LDL - aka "bad cholesterol")
That's not all...Some medical researchers say that they lower the risk of heart disease also provide protection from some types of cancer (colon, prostate, also breast).
Well, as you can see there are some great reasons to eat peanuts...as if the fact that they are delicious is not enough.
THE DARK SIDE
Peanut proteins can act as powerful allergens, even in tiny amounts. That is why Peanut allergies are the most common cause of death by food in the USA. Some people can have a ruthless reaction just for inhaling the scent of a peanut. People can die from very small amounts.
So, if your allergic to peanuts...or think you could be...don't risk even going near them. You can substitute almonds or any nut for any of the recipes below. For the cookies...you will have to make your own 'nut butter.
YUMMY...PEANUTTY RECIPES
CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
Put two cups of peanuts in a blender also blend until smooth.
For added texture and/or flavoring add one or more of the following:
2 Tblsp honey
4 tsp sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract - or any other extract you like.
1/4 c mini chocolate chips
1/4 c rice cereal
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS...USE YOUR IMAGINATION!
CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER
3 c. salted peanuts2 Tblsp. butter
Measure 1/2 peanuts also put aside. Empty remaining peanuts into blender container. Cover also blend on low speed until the peanuts are chopped. Add butter, cover also blend on low speed 15 seconds. Turn off the blender also scrape down sides with rubber spatula. Cover also blend on low speed five seconds.
Repeat this process three or four times until the peanut butter starts to get smooth. Cover also blend on highest speed one minute. Add the 1/2 cup peanuts, cover also blend on medium speed for three - five seconds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
MAMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix peanut butter also butter in large mixing bowl until smooth. Then gradually add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon batter onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with a criss cross fork print. Bake for tenminutes, or until golden.
About the author:
About the Author: My name is Lara Velez also I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Recipe Finder - Online cooking magazine - http://www.therecipefinder.comI am or else a wife also mother of two. I enjoy cooking, reading, scrapbooking, also being a wife also mom.Please feel free to email me any time. RecipeFinderMail@aol.com
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