Peanut butter

What is Peanut butter?

Peanut butter is a thick, creamy or chunky paste made by grinding roasted peanuts. Some versions include salt, sugar, or emulsifiers to enhance flavor and keep the mixture smooth. It can be pale to golden brown, with a rich, nutty aroma. Both smooth and crunchy types are popular, the latter containing small pieces of peanut for added texture. Peanut butter is part of the nut butter family, which also includes spreads made from other nuts.

Where does Peanut butter come from?

Grinding peanuts into a paste dates back to the Aztec and Inca civilizations. The modern form was first patented in Canada in 1884 by Marcellus Gilmore Edson, who described a process for milling roasted peanuts into a soft, spreadable product. In the United States, inventors like John Harvey Kellogg and George Bayle developed their own methods in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, peanut butter was produced on a larger scale and became a staple during times of meat scarcity.

How is Peanut butter made?

The process begins with harvesting peanuts, which are then shelled and roasted. After cooling, the skins are removed by blanching. The peanuts are ground in stages, first to a coarse consistency, then finer. At this point, salt, sweeteners, and stabilizers may be added. For crunchy peanut butter, chopped peanuts are mixed in. The finished paste is cooled, packed into jars, and sealed for sale.

How and when is Peanut butter eaten?

Peanut butter is commonly eaten in sandwiches, especially in North America, and is also added to breakfast foods and desserts like cookies, brownies, and smoothies. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether as part of a meal or a quick snack. In the Netherlands and Suriname, it is known as 'pindakaas' or 'peanut cheese' and used in local dishes. Its versatility makes it a pantry staple in many homes.

Kinds of Peanut butter

There are several types of peanut butter. Smooth versions are finely ground for a uniform texture, while chunky types include bits of peanut. Natural peanut butter contains few or no additives and may separate, requiring stirring. Powdered peanut butter, with most of the oil removed, is used as a low-calorie option. Artisanal and organic varieties are made in small batches, often without preservatives.

What Peanut butter means

Peanut butter is especially popular in the United States, where it is celebrated with a national day each January. It became widely used during periods of food rationing and is now a common household item. In the Netherlands, the name 'pindakaas' reflects its history as a cheese-like product. Brands like Skippy and Jif have played a role in shaping its modern image, and it is also significant in South African and Surinamese food traditions.

Questions people ask about Peanut butter

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• A Brief History of Peanut ButterSmithsonian Magazine, Article
• What Actually Makes Peanut Butter ‘Natural?’Food & Wine, Article

• Peanut butter on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data