Crunchy, salty and tasty, peanuts not only please the palate, but are also a convenient and healthful snack for students. March is National Peanut Month, so now is an opportune time to benefit.
Instead of driving to the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Ala., Ball State students can go to any of the dining halls on campus or Wal-Mart for affordable peanuts. For a not-so-healthy peanut fix, Concannon's Pastry Shop offers peanut butter rolls.
If you desire a more delectable food than raw peanuts, there are other ways to enjoy them. Peanut butter is always a favorite, affordable snack that can be spread on crackers, fruit or the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. For appetites seeking a more adventurous take on peanuts, try dishes with peanut sauces or glazes.
An average American eats about six pounds of peanuts and peanut products each year, according to the National Peanut Board.
Peanuts offer more than just a delicious treat. They have a number of health benefits, especially for busy college students.
"A handful of peanuts provide the same amount of fiber as one slice of whole wheat bread, or a half cup of most vegetables," said Carol Friesen, associate professor of family and consumer sciences. "Dietary fiber is something most college students sorely lack."
It is true that peanuts are high in fat, but it is a monounsaturated fat that is healthful. They are also a good source of protein, which can come in handy for those who celebrate Lent or who don't eat meat.
"The protein in peanuts is incomplete protein," Friesen said.
This means the snack must be accompanied by a glass of milk or a vegetable, seed or grain to be considered complete, she said.
This does not mean, however, to go and eat an entire bag of peanuts. A handful, or one-quarter cup, is considered one serving. A candy bar that contains peanuts doesn't count either. The fat and sugar in a candy bar overshadow the healthfulness of the peanuts that it contains.
A downside to peanuts is that allergies to them are highly common. The good news is most products that contain peanuts or that may have come into contact with them say so on their label.
Contrary to its name, a peanut is not actually nut, but a legume related to beans and lentils. Actually, most of what are considered nuts, like walnuts, pecans and almonds, are not nuts. A true nut is one that has developed from a compound ovary, has a hardened outer wall and does not split open to release its seeds. Some true nuts are hazelnuts and acorns.
In the 1800s, they were grown commercially and used for food, oil and a substitute for cocoa. According to the National Peanut Board, peanuts originated in South America and eventually made their way to South Carolina.
George Washington Carver later developed over 300 uses for the peanut, which grew to become a cash crop. Today, peanuts contribute about $4 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
RecipeNuts 'N Fruit Munch Mix, from planters.com
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine or butter
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 4 cups Post Spoon Sized Shredded Wheat Cereal
- 1 cup Planters Cocktail Peanuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Alex Audia is a freshman journalism major and writes 'Scrumptious' for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Alex at aeaudia@bsu.edu
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