Where Did the Peanut Come From?

You might think that the peanut comes from the southern part of the United States, for it was there that the peanut's true value was first realized. Or you may believe it comes from Africa, since peanuts were often associated with African slaves in America. But actually, the peanut hails from South America! Spanish explorers who visited South America in the 16th century discovered the peanut growing in the tropical regions. Later, traders sent peanuts to Africa, where they were planted to provide food for livestock. Then, when slave traders began sending African slaves to America, they carried African peanuts on their ships to feed the slaves. Eventually, peanuts were planted in Virginia. So the peanut crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice before it reached the United States! George Washington Carver found more than 300 things that can be made from peanuts, including milk, flour, ink, plastic, soap, and cheese!  more

*** g03 4/22 pp. 22-24 The Wide World of the Humble Peanut *** The Wide World of the Humble Peanut Do you like peanuts? If so, you have a lot of company. Peanuts, also called groundnuts, are enjoyed by a huge portion of the human family. The two most populous nations on earth?China and India?together produce over 50?percent of the total world crop. The United States harvests billions of pounds [more than a billion kilograms] of peanuts annually, producing almost 10?percent of the world total. Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Sudan are also major peanut-growing countries. How did the peanut become so popular? Is it ever wise to avoid eating peanuts? A Long History The peanut is thought to have originated in South America. One of the earliest known artifacts showing man?s appreciation of peanuts is a pre-Columbian vase discovered in Peru. The vase is shaped like a peanut and is also decorated with peanut-shaped designs. Spanish explorers, who first ...  more