FAQ
From frequently asked questions to fun facts about peanuts, we’re here to help!
Did you know it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter?
Other fun facts you might find interesting:
- The average person will eat almost 3,000 PB&Js in their lifetime, according to a 2016 survey by Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter.
- The average adult eats a PB&J three times a month.
- Every year Americans eat enough peanut butter to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon.
- Women and children prefer creamy peanut butter, while most men opt for chunky. Here's a creamy peanut butter smoothie recipe.
- People living on the East Coast prefer creamy peanut butter, while those on the West Coast prefer the crunchy style.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are peanuts a nut?
Peanuts are technically a legume, as they are grown in the ground enclosed in a pod. They are in the same family as beans, peas and chickpeas.
Are there different kinds of peanuts?
Yes, there are four different “types” of peanuts as a result of years of both wild and selective (non-GMO) breeding:
- Runner
- Virginia
- Spanish
- Valenica
You can learn more about the varieties and their uses here.
Where are peanuts grown?
Peanuts are grown across the South and Southeastern U.S.
When are peanuts planted and harvested?
Across the U.S. Peanut Belt, peanuts are planted after the last frost in April through May, when soil temperatures reach 65° to 70°F. Farmers harvest 140 to 150 days after planting, which is typically in September/October.
Are peanuts a sustainable crop?
Peanuts require less water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut. For example, it takes 3.2 gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, but it takes more than 28.7 gallons to grow one ounce of almonds. Peanut plants have a unique ability to improve soil. They are nitrogen fixing, which means they take nitrogen from the air and produce their own in the ground, which benefits other crops. Peanuts are nature’s “zero-waste” plant. Everything from the roots to the hulls are utilized.
Learn more about Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Program run by the American Peanut Council here.
Are peanuts healthy?
Peanuts are a healthy, nutrient-dense food that also happen to be highly accessible, affordable and shelf-stable. They have more protein than any nut (7g per serving), contain more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals and are a good source of fiber and good fats. Peanuts offer affordable and accessible nutrition across the lifespan.
How long does peanut butter last?
An open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it’s recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months). But if you like room-temp peanut butter, no problem. Just give the PB a stir if oil separation occurs.
Can you tell me more about peanut allergies?
More than 99% of Americans enjoy peanuts without any issue. But food allergy reactions can be unpredictable and must be taken seriously. Since 2001 through the National Peanut Board, peanut farmers have invested more than $36 million of their own dollars into research, outreach and education about food and peanut allergies.
For more information about peanut allergies, see the peanut allergy section on our website.
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