One of my tweeps — Gene Roney –posted this video today (I have no idea why the embed code didn’t work but I have decided to link & hope you come back)… it prompted me to reminisce about my days in Tifton and further south talking with farmers about all the things they do to protect peanuts from disease, insects, etc.
Did you see that & listen? Glad you came back if you did. : )
(By the way, I also wish I was at the expo… that’s the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo for those who are wondering what? It’s been held in Moultrie, Georgia most of this week but plenty of folks had to make use of the clear weather in that area to get in the field while they can.)
And it prompted to remember how surprised I was to see how they grow. I’m guessing few people spend much time thinking about peanuts, unless they have an allergy or addiction to peanut butter. But one of the most interesting crops I’ve ever had the privilege to work is peanuts.
One of the things I’d like to point out on the front end… THEY GROW UNDER GROUND. I put that in all caps cause I don’t want people to read over it. Yes, there are leaves, etc growing in the field where you can look out and see them, but you will not see the shells expand as nuts fill them cause the plants sort of buries the pod once it’s pollinated. I hope I get this right in saying that’s called “pegging” (it’s been a while since I was in a peanut field.)
Farmers like Gene fund the Georgia Peanut Commission. They support research & promotion and give the following facts:
- Georgia produces 45% of the United States’ peanuts.
- Over 80 counties in Georgia produce more than 1.5 million pounds of peanuts.
- Georgia has approximately 250 peanut related businesses.
- The peanut industry contributes more than 50,000 jobs in Georgia.
- The Georgia Peanut industry established the “Peanut Proud & Feeding Georgia” program to help feed the 1.29 million persons in poverty in Georgia.
- Peanut butter, like most foods, contains some fat. Fortunately, 80% of the fat in peanut butter is unsaturated fat — “the good fat” — which may actually help lower LDL-cholesterol levels in your blood.
- In fact, because peanut butter is so versatile, good tasting and nutritious, it is included in many medically endorsed weight loss and diabetic diets.
A little food for thought the next time you get yourself a PB&J or start cracking into some peanuts… or, if you are really southern… eat your veggies — boiled peanuts! They are actually legumes… more like a soybean than any nut… did you know that? I love what I get to find out by talking with farmers!
