Peanut Butter: An American Legend Loved Around the World
Starting in the United States, peanut butter has become one of the most beloved foods around the world. Let's find out who invented it and why it became so famous.
The Origins of Peanut Butter
Many believe that peanut butter was invented by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, known for creating Kellogg's cereal, around 1895. Dr. Kellogg used it to feed his patients who couldn't chew, as a valid protein substitute for meat. In reality, the peanut paste he created was very different from the peanut butter we know today, as it was free of oil and added sugar.
Others maintain that the inventor, in the modern sense of the term, was George Washington Carver, a renowned African-American scientist. Another theory attributes the invention to a pharmacist from St. Louis, Missouri, named Dr. George A. Bayle Jr., who in 1890 developed a recipe for a spreadable cream that was affordable for everyone, wanted to invent a product that could replace meat for less wealthy families and realized that peanuts had a very high protein content.
The Popularity of Peanut Butter
Despite its controversial origins, we know for certain that peanut butter became very popular, first in the United States during the 20th century and then worldwide. Its popularity grew thanks to several factors, including its versatility in cooking and its excellent source of protein. During World War II, military rations included peanut butter to provide troops with an easily transportable and nutritious source of energy. Today, it remains a staple in American schools thanks to school feeding programs, helping to foster a love of peanut butter among young people.
Iconic People and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is often associated with iconic figures: Elvis Presley loved his peanut butter sandwich with grape jam, sliced banana, and strips of fried bacon. His fame made this dish an icon in American culture. Another famous person associated with peanut butter is American astronaut Alan Shepard. In 1961, during his Freedom 7 mission, Shepard took a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into space, helping it become an even more legendary food in the United States.
Going back a few years, who doesn't remember Brad Pitt in "Meet Joe Black" when he fell in love with peanut butter? Finally, not everyone knows that one of the biggest producers of peanut butter was Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States. During his 1976 presidential campaign, Carter declared it one of his favorite snacks.
Peanut Butter in Italy
Peanut butter is now a huge hit in Italy, too, with sales of this tasty spread having grown by 40% in recent years. If you haven't tried it yet, now's the time to try this delicious spread.
Sources
https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/burro-d-arachidi-consumi-40percento-ma-solo-versione-all-italiana-AEk1GFJD
https://www.ilpost.it/2020/07/19/burro-arachidi-storia/
https://www.cucchiaio.it/come-cucinare/burro-di-arachidi-cose-come-si-prepara-a-casa-e-chi-lo-ha-inventato/
https://www.passioneperlabuonacucina.it/colazioni/brad-pitt-vi-presento-joe-black-e-il-burro-darachidi
https://www.salepepe.it/news/piaceri/tutto-sul-burro-di-arachidi-storia-proprieta-e-usi-di-questo-superfood/
