March is National Peanut Month. It’s a time to celebrate the little legume with big impact on our health and our economy. Alabama peanut growers are proud of the peanuts they grow, and they take pride in growing a nutritious and sustainable food source for our state, nation and the world.
The Alabama peanut industry contributes approximately $211.4 million annually to the state’s economy. More than 1,000 peanut growers farm around 180,000 acres of this protein-packed food to make Alabama one of the top peanut producing states in U.S. That’s definitely something to be proud of!
Peanut production was once limited to the extreme Southern counties of the state. In 2020, peanuts were grown in 33 of our 67 counties. Peanuts can be found growing throughout the state from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Alabama mountains.
But what makes peanuts so powerfully nutritious? One ounce of peanuts gives you seven grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, fiber and bioactive compounds. One small serving of peanuts helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer.
Peanuts are also the most sustainable plant – a zero-waste plant. Every part of the plant is used from the roots to the hulls. When it comes to water usage, it only takes 4.7 gallons of water to produce a one-ounce serving of shelled peanuts. Peanuts require the least amount of water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any other nut.
What’s the best way to celebrate National Peanut Month? Eating peanuts and peanut butter, of course! Incorporate peanuts into your daily diet to receive all the nutritional benefits that come along with them. Try a recipe from peanutbutterlovers.com, and enjoy the perfectly, powerful peanut!
Resources to Learn More About Peanuts
Alabama Peanuts 2020 Fact Sheet
Fun Facts About Peanuts
The Peanut Institute – Nutritional & Health Benefits of Peanuts
Peanut Allergy Information
Video – Growing Peanuts in Alabama
Hungry for peanuts now? Visit our online store at alpeanuts.com/shop.
The Alabama Peanut Producers Association represents the interests of Alabama peanut growers through education, promotion and research. Visit www.alpeanuts.com for more information about our organization.