National Peanut Day on September 13th isn’t just a quirky holiday—it’s a crunchy, salty, and sometimes smooth part of American history that deserves its own standing ovation (preferably with a jar of peanut butter in hand). National Peanut Day has become the ultimate excuse to crack open a shell, whip up a PB&J, or finally admit that yes, you do sometimes eat peanut butter straight from the jar with a spoon.
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A Nut That’s Not a Nut
Let’s start with the nuttiest truth about National Peanut Day: the peanut isn’t technically a nut. That’s right, folks—our beloved peanut is actually a legume, making it more closely related to beans, lentils, and peas than almonds or walnuts. Try using that factoid at your next dinner party; it may not get you invited back, but at least you’ll feel clever while you chew.
Peanuts originated in South America, where ancient civilizations like the Incas buried them with their dead, believing the legumes would sustain them in the afterlife. Today, the idea of a “forever snack” still holds up, especially if you’ve ever discovered an old jar of peanut butter in the back of your pantry. Spoiler alert: it’s probably still edible.
The Rise of the Peanut in America
National Peanut Day would not exist without George Washington Carver, the man often (though mistakenly) credited with inventing peanut butter. Carver created more than 300 uses for peanuts, from cooking oil to peanut-based glue. While he didn’t actually invent the spread, his relentless promotion of peanuts in the early 20th century transformed them from livestock feed into a staple of American pantries.
Speaking of peanut butter, the earliest version dates back to the Aztecs, who ground roasted peanuts into a paste. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that peanut butter began appearing in the U.S. as a health food for people who had trouble chewing meat. Somewhere along the way, this medicinal paste became the go-to comfort food for millions of kids and adults alike.
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Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Peanuts in Pop Culture
National Peanut Day wouldn’t be complete without a nod to their role in pop culture. Think about it—can you imagine baseball without roasted peanuts? “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” would sound a lot less catchy without them. And what about Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip? While it has nothing to do with legumes, the comic still brought joy to millions, proving that the peanut can be symbolic as well as edible.
Then there’s the classic PB&J sandwich, a culinary duo so iconic it deserves its own place in the Smithsonian. Generations of school lunches have relied on peanut butter and jelly to fuel everything from playground kickball games to late-night college study sessions.
Peanut Controversies and Triumphs
Of course, National Peanut Day also shines a light on the modern peanut paradox: while millions adore them, peanuts also rank among the most common (and dangerous) food allergies. This dual reputation makes peanuts both a beloved snack and a potential villain, proving that not even legumes can escape a little drama.
On the triumphant side, peanuts are nutritional powerhouses. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. In fact, during wartime, peanuts became an essential source of protein for troops. Even today, peanut-based nutritional pastes save lives in malnourished communities around the world.
Why We Celebrate National Peanut Day
At its core, National Peanut Day is about more than snacking—it’s about celebrating the resilience and versatility of this little legume. From ancient tombs to baseball stadiums, from Carver’s laboratory to your kitchen cabinet, peanuts have cracked their way into history and stayed there.
So on September 13th, whether you prefer them roasted, boiled, buttered, or swirled into candy bars, take a moment to savor the nutty truth. National Peanut Day reminds us that even the humblest of foods can shape culture, spark innovation, and bring joy to every crunchy bite.
