Celebrate Peanuts This Week

March is almost over, but it’s not too late to celebrate National Peanut Month! National Peanut Month, which began as National Peanut Week in 1941 and expanded to a 31-day blowout in 1974, recognizes this mighty legume’s place in the American diet.

Peanuts are a great source of nutrition. A 1 oz. serving of roasted peanuts contains 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Peanuts, though high in fat, offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are naturally cholesterol-free and include vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium.

There are many different ways to work a dose of peanuts into your diet. Start simple with a helping of unsalted, roasted Virginia peanuts. Jumbo roasted peanuts in the shell work wonderfully as appetizer items at a barbecue or snacks at a ball game. Spanish peanuts, which are served with the skin on, are a rich, salty addition to salads, soups and stir-fry.

If the natural peanut flavor gets a bit boring, branch out. Honey roasted peanuts are wonderful for those with a sweet tooth. Wasabi peanuts have an incredibly hot kick that will shake up your taste buds. Sweet and spicy buffalo peanuts and tangy ranch peanuts are delicious on their own or mixed together.

Organic smooth peanut butter, which contains no added sugar or salt, really showcases the natural goodness of peanuts. However, if you have a food processor handy, you can just as easily make your own peanut butter!

Pour about 2 cups of unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts and 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut oil into a food processor. Process the nuts and oil continuously on high speed for a few minutes, until the mixture turns into a smooth paste. Add salt to taste, if desired, and store your homemade peanut butter in an airtight container in the fridge.

Peanuts are incredibly versatile, not to mention tasty! Make sure to mix up a peanut-based treat or indulge in some homemade peanut butter to celebrate National Peanut Month before the last few days whiz by!