NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY

February 21 is National Boiled Peanuts Day on the National Day Calendar. Today, we are celebrating not only one of America's oldest snacks, but also learning why this delicious treat has become a global snacking staple.

Boiling peanuts has been a cultural practice in the Southern U.S. since the 1800s, but it has been widely growing in popularity across the country, too. Originally called "goober peas," boiled peanuts are often referred to as the "Edamame of the South". Whatever you call them, boiled peanuts have been a tradition during family celebrations and social gatherings throughout many parts of the country.

It is believed the practice of eating boiled peanuts originated in West Africa, where boiling Bambara groundnut was a staple among African tribes. When enslaved Africans were brought to the U.S. from Africa, they also brought the practice of boiling peanuts. Because peanuts have distinct similarities to groundnuts, slaves began using the excess or unsold peanuts to celebrate as a substitute. Boiled peanuts continue to be a beloved snack of the South, commonly found at roadside stands and sporting events. Beyond that, boiled peanuts are a staple in India, Haiti, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, China, Ghana, Nigeria and beyond.

Boiled peanuts pack a punch in terms of health benefits. They are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help support heart health and aid in weight management by keeping you feeling full longer. Boiled peanuts are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. As if those aren’t enough health benefits, they also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and vitamin E. Whether you’re looking for a savory treat or a nutritious snack, boiled peanuts are a great choice for your taste buds and your health!

1. Boiled peanuts are not crunchy or sweet. Each time you bite into boiled peanuts, you experience a rich, savory, and a bit salty sensation in your mouth. The soft yet firm bite is an addictive, causing you to want more.

2. Boiled peanuts are boiled all over the world, including places like India, China, Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, and Nigeria. Each place has their own unique twists on preparation and flavoring.

3. Salt is the classic seasoning for boiled peanuts. However, boiled peanuts can be flavored with Cajun spices, garlic, hot sauce, and more, adding to the fun and variety.

4. Boiled peanuts use raw or "green" peanuts, meaning they're not fully dried. Boiling raw peanuts helps give a softer, almost bean-like texture compared to roasted peanuts

5. Boiled peanuts are said to have four times the number of antioxidants found in other kinds of nuts. In addition, they are 100% Vegan, Gluten Free, non-GMO, Cholesterol Free, Keto and Paleo friendly, making them a healthy snack for all.

For decades, people have been incorporating boiled peanuts into your holiday celebrations. They make a unique and tasty addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even New Year's gatherings. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate National Boiled Peanuts Day:

1. Classic Peanut Boil. Hosting your own peanut boil celebration is a great way to enjoy this food day. Invite friends and family over, set up a big pot of boiling peanuts outside, and let everyone dig in.

2. Game Day Snack. Boiled peanuts are perfect for game day gatherings. Set out bowls of peanuts for everyone to munch on while watching the game.

3. Tailgate Party Treat. If you're heading to a tailgate party, bring along a cooler full of boiled peanuts to share. They're easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

4. Road Trip Snack. Boiled peanuts are a great snack for road trips because they can be transported easily. Pack a bag to keep you satisfied on long drives.

5. Pre- or Post-Workout Boost. With their clean profile of simple ingredients, vegan and gluten-free, and 7 grams of plant-based protein per serving, boiled peanuts are the perfect pre- or post-workout snack

6. Share #NationalBoiledPeanutsDay on social media and post your National Boiled Peanut Day celebrations with others.

National Boiled Peanuts Day was approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar to be celebrated on February 21. Beginning in 2025, we are adding this delicious food holiday to the list of days for the month of February. Join us in celebrating one of America's oldest snacks and learn why this delicious treat is a cultural icon.

Dixie Grace, founder of Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts, is a female entrepreneur who had a vision to share boiled peanuts with the masses after taking a road trip through the South. It was during her travels she discovered boiled peanuts at a roadside convenience store and was blown away by their unique taste, texture and nutritional benefits. She immediately knew she needed to find a way to bring this delicious healthy treat to as many people as possible.

“I have been given a precious gift that must be shared with the world” ~ Dixie Grace, Founder of Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts

Today, Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts provides a modern twist on an iconic snack. She is making history as the first Black American to commercialize the peanut since George Washington Carver. She sources premium ingredients to use in her artisanal cooking process to unleash the amazing taste, texture and health benefits of boiled peanuts upon the world. Dixie has revolutionized boiled peanuts in a grab-n-go format to allow people to enjoy the iconic snack of boiled peanuts anywhere.

"Boiled peanuts from a can is like spaghetti from a can.

It just ain’t the same............."

The same company that sells the gawd-awful canned boiled peanuts also sells them in a mylar pouch that are actually pretty good. I think the canning process overcooks them and makes them mushy.

Ya wanna know something? I once heard that boiled peanuts freeze well indefinitely. Is that true? I’ve always wondered.

Well, consider this experiment. I made boiled peanuts after a blissful summer vacation where I bought a couple of pounds of raw peanuts from a farmer in Alabama on my way back to Indiana. We immediately ate one of the pounds. I froze the rest in a quart sized ziploc freezer bag and wrote the date, 9/18/2019.

Fast forward to tonight.

I saw that lonely bag in the freezer tonight. So after dinner, I pulled it out, and put all of those frozen peanut pods into some water, re-salted it, and brought it to a boil.

Omg. It’s true! Yes, a few of the peanuts were gross, but they were easy to discern from the good ones. They were darker in color and sunk in. Threw those ones out.

Were they as wonderful as fresh ones? No. But they were better than canned ones! 100%. And really, they were pretty good given the circumstances.

This was a total surprise to me. I may come home from Florida with a plethora of raw peanuts on my next trip.

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