Lunchbox Envy 12: Peanuts
May 4, 2025
Discover how to make peanuts dance and which insect pairs surprisingly well with peanut butter. Dive into the quirky history and culinary significance of peanuts, from their ancient origins to modern recipes. Laugh along as unusual food regulations are discussed while comparing homemade treats to commercial snacks. Explore George Washington Carver's legacy and even a unique tradition of adding peanuts to beer. Plus, learn about innovative methods for treating peanut allergies while enjoying humorous takes on sticky peanut butter experiences.
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Aztec Peanut Snack Anecdote
- Aztecs made a rudimentary peanut butter spread on roasted grasshoppers mixed with honey.
- This ancient dish combined umami, protein, and sweet flavors enjoyed as a snack.
Peanuts Are Legumes, Not Nuts
- Peanuts are legumes not nuts, related to beans and lentils and grow underground.
- This explains their classification as pulses and their difference from tree nuts like almonds.
Granite Soup: West African Peanut Stew
- Rosie McKean shared Sierra Leonean granite soup, a rich peanut butter-based stew she learned from chef Big Zoo.
- This dish symbolizes the deep cultural integration of peanuts in West African cuisine with many regional variants.