FUN FACTS 4 PEANUTS

FUN FACTS 4 PEANUTS

Peanuts

* The peanut is not a nut, but a legume related to beans and lentils.
* Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free.
* Peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the USA.
* There are four types of peanuts grown in the USA — Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia.
* Four of the top 10 candy bars manufactured in the USA contain peanuts or peanut butter.
* The average American consumes more than six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter products each year.
* March is National Peanut Month.
* Peanuts are planted after the last frost in April or early May.
* Dr. George Washington Carver researched and developed more than 300 uses for peanuts in the early 1900s; Dr. Carver is considered "The Father of the Peanut Industry" because of his extensive research and selfless dedication to promoting peanut production and products.
* Astronaut Allen B. Sheppard brought a peanut with him to the moon.
* Tom Miller pushed a peanut to the top of Pike's Peak (14,100 feet) using his nose in 4 days, 23 hours, 47 minutes and 3 seconds.
* Most USA peanut farms are family-owned and -operated.
* The peanut plant originated in South America.
* As early as 1500 B.C., the Incans of Peru used peanuts as sacrificial offerings and entombed them with their mummies to aid in the spirit life.
* Peanuts contribute more than $4 billion to the USA economy each year.
* The peanut growth cycle from planting to harvest is about five months.
* The average peanut farm is 100 acres.
* The peanut plant produces a small yellow flower.
* Americans eat more than 600 million pounds of peanuts (and 700 million pounds of peanut butter) each year.
* Peanuts flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.
* Two peanut farmers have been elected president of the USA - Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.
* Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.
* A mature peanut plant produces about 40 pods that then grow into peanuts.
* Peanuts are a good source of folate, which can reduce the risk of certain birth defects in the brain and spinal cord.
* Ever wonder where the term "Peanut Gallery" comes from? The term became popular in the late 19th century and referred to the rear or uppermost seats in a theater, which were also the cheapest seats. People seated in such a gallery were able to throw peanuts, a common food at theaters, at those seated below them. It also applied to the first row of seats in a movie theater, for the occupants of those seats could throw peanuts at the stage, stating their displeasure with the performance.
Forwarded By, Natalie Pyles

Fitness & Nutritional Expert, Author, Speaker

Call Me For Your FREE Consultation Today! 1-800-681-9894 or 480-212-1947 e-mail fitnesselementsassociates@yahoo.com