Read by Michael Flamel

Peanuts, or groundnuts, have a story richer than the creamiest peanut butter. Originating in South America over 3,500 years ago, they traveled to North America via early Spanish explorers. Today, peanuts are as American as apple pie and as beloved as Grandma’s hugs, woven into our culinary fabric and snack traditions. Though peanuts are predominantly grown in the southern United States, they can also thrive in the backyard gardens of home gardeners across the country.

The Peanut President and a Sailor’s Discovery

My love for peanuts and peanut butter was unwavering, but my fascination with peanut farming truly sprouted when Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer, was elected president. The notion that a farmer could also be a submarine commander and then president was nothing short of astonishing. Serving in the United States Navy, I hadn’t thought much about farmers donning military uniforms. It was a bit naïve, perhaps, but it still tickles me to think of Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer, navigating both submarines and the White House.

Growing Peanuts at Home: Tips for Backyard Gardeners

Cultivating peanuts in your backyard is not only doable but also a delightful endeavor. Here’s a playful guide to get you started:

Choosing the Right Variety
Virginia Peanuts: Best for roasting.
Runner Peanuts: Ideal for making peanut butter.
Spanish Peanuts: High oil content, perfect for confections.
Valencia Peanuts: Sweet and easy to grow, great for boiling.

Planting
Soil: Sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-6.2 is ideal.
Spacing: Plant peanuts 2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows.
Sunlight: Full sun is necessary for optimal growth.

Care
Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Weeding: Regular weeding is crucial to prevent competition for nutrients.
Harvesting: Peanuts are ready to harvest when the plant turns yellow and the pods have matured, typically 120-150 days after planting.

Fun Facts About Peanuts
Not a Nut: Peanuts are legumes, not nuts.
Peanut Butter Love: Americans consume over 700 million pounds of peanut butter annually.
Versatile Crop: Peanuts can improve soil fertility due to their nitrogen-fixing properties.
High Energy: A peanut has more protein than any other nut.

Peanuts in the American Diet
Peanuts are a staple in American kitchens, enjoyed in various forms:

Roasting Peanuts
Homegrown Peanuts: Shell and rinse the peanuts, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Making Homemade Peanut Butter
Ingredients: 2 cups of roasted peanuts, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt.
Method: Blend the peanuts in a food processor until smooth, then add honey and salt to taste.

Recipes
Peanut Sauce: Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or vegetables. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a dash of sriracha.
Peanut Brittle: A classic treat that combines sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, and a touch of vanilla.
Peanut Smoothies: Blend peanut butter with bananas, milk, and a bit of honey for a protein-packed breakfast.

Preserving Your Peanut Harvest
To enjoy your peanuts year-round, consider these preservation methods

Drying: Spread harvested peanuts in a single layer and allow them to air dry for 1-2 weeks.
Freezing: Shelled or unshelled peanuts can be frozen to extend their shelf life.
Canning: Homemade peanut butter can be canned for long-term storage, following proper canning procedures to ensure safety.
Peanut farming, whether on a commercial scale or in your backyard, is a gratifying venture. The versatility of peanuts, from snacking to cooking, and their nutritional benefits make them a valuable addition to any garden. So, next time you enjoy a spoonful of peanut butter or a handful of roasted peanuts, remember the rich history and the rewarding process of growing this humble legume. Happy peanut gardening! ❖