The History & Homemade Recipe for Peanut Butter

The history of peanut butter dates back to ancient times, but the product we recognize as modern peanut butter has a more recent origin. Here's a brief overview:

• Ancient Origins:
  • Peanuts are native to South America and have been cultivated for thousands of years by indigenous peoples.
  • Ancient civilizations in South America, such as the Incas, are known to have made a paste from ground peanuts.

• African Influence:
  • The practice of grinding peanuts into a paste was brought to North America by enslaved Africans in the 1700s.
  • In the United States, peanuts became a staple in the Southern diet and were often ground into a paste.

• Emergence in the 19th Century:
  • In the 1800s, patents for various peanut paste products were issued.
  • Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the inventor of cornflakes, patented a process for creating peanut butter in 1895.
  • In 1903, Dr. Ambrose Straub patented a peanut butter-making machine.

• Peanut Butter as a Health Food:
  • In the early 20th century, peanut butter gained popularity as a health food, particularly for its protein content.
  • During both World Wars, peanut butter was included in soldiers' rations due to its nutritional value.

• Branding and Commercialization:
  • In the 1920s and 1930s, companies like Swift & Company and Peter Pan began selling peanut butter commercially.
  • The 1920s saw the introduction of the first creamy peanut butter by Joseph L. Rosefield.

• Post-World War II Boom:
  • After World War II, peanut butter consumption soared as it became a staple in American households.
  • Brands like Skippy and Jif became widely popular during this time.

• Variations and Innovations:
  • Over the years, different variations of peanut butter, including chunky and natural varieties, were introduced to the market.
  • Health-conscious trends led to the popularity of natural peanut butter made without additives.

• Global Spread:
  • Peanut butter has become popular worldwide, with variations in different cultures.

Today, peanut butter is enjoyed in various forms and is not only a household staple but also a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes. The history of peanut butter reflects its evolution from a humble paste made by indigenous people to a globally consumed product with numerous variations and applications.

Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe;

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

• Roast the Peanuts:
  • If your peanuts are not already roasted, you can roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

• Cool the Peanuts:
  • Allow the roasted peanuts to cool for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

• Blend the Peanuts:
  • Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor or high-powered blender. Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

• Add Oil:
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or another neutral oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil) to help achieve the desired consistency. Add more oil if needed.

• Sweeten (Optional):
  • If you like sweeter peanut butter, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

• Add Salt:
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and blend again. Taste the peanut butter and add more salt if necessary.

• Adjust Consistency:
  • If your peanut butter is too thick, you can add more oil until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Store:
  • Transfer the homemade peanut butter to a clean, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. It can last for several weeks.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different types of peanuts for varying flavor profiles.
• If you prefer chunky peanut butter, you can reserve a handful of peanuts and stir them into the smooth peanut butter after blending.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy your homemade peanut butter on toast, in sandwiches, or as an ingredient in various recipes!

I recommend you to watch these peanut butter recipe videos as well;

Homemade Peanut Butter;

How To Make Peanut Butter;

 How To Make Homemade Peanut Butter;

Homemade Peanut Butter Just in 5 minutes;

Homemade Peanut Butter In 1 Minute;

References;

1.  "Peanut butter (survey); nutrient contents per 100 grams; FDC ID: 1100559". FoodData Central, USDA National Nutrient Database. October 30, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
2. "Who Invented Peanut Butter?". National Peanut Board.[better source needed]. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
3. "Who Invented Peanut Butter?". National Peanut Board. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
4. Michaud, Jon (November 28, 2012). "A chunky history of peanut butter". www.newyorker.com. New Yorker. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
5. Kate Wheeling (January 1, 2021). "A brief history of peanut butter". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved January 16, 2021.

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