Are Americans Weaned on Peanut Butter?
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I could (and have) eat peanut butter directly from the jar, with many spoonfuls. It's really good mixed with chocolate chips. Sadly I don't eat it much anymore as it aggravates my mostly dormant GERD.
And George Washington Carver is a legitimate hero and benefactor of mankind.0 -
I guess we kind of are weaned on PB. It's very yummy and as everyone has said, is easy to pack in a lunch.
I remember giving my son his first PB and watching his little face as he discovered how yummy that thing in his mouth was.0 -
I didn't realize other countries besides the US don't have or really like peanut butter! I ate a ton of it when I was a kid...so much that I don't really care for it now as an adult. I do like peanut butter flavored desserts or candy...like Reece cups, yum! But just peanut butter on a sandwich or on celery or apples...eh veryyyy rarely do I crave it or even like it that much. My son and stepson however could eat it everyday...they love it, especially with grape jelly on sandwiches0
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peanut butter is my favorite. I work Reeses cup into my daily intake and have lost 15+ lbs since July.0
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I was born and raised in Australia, and loved peanut butter, especially the 'goober' kind mixed with grape jelly and the crunchy variety, plus nutella. Now that I am in Canada, I love almond, cashew, peanut...heck, I love all those butters.0
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suziecue20 wrote: »Peanut butter is mentioned in lots of threads and I am wondering why people in US especially love it so much.
I tried it once years ago and it made me gag. I didn't like the taste or the texture and haven't touched it since.
actually, pretty much...it's cheap and growing up, I'd say at least 3 out of 5 of my school lunches was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...the other two were usually bologna.
so yeah, I'd say it's definitely a U.S. lunch staple.
unfortunately, my youngest has a very serious peanut allergy, so no peanut butter in my house. I miss it and will often go out for one. I actually don't care for jam on mine, I prefer a bit of honey and some banana.0 -
MyNameIsNotBob wrote: »Yes, I grew up on it. Cheap, filling, nutritious, doesn't need refrigeration, versatile. Yum. I have some almost daily. I like the extra crunchy kind.
ETA: As to *why* we love it so much, it probably has a lot to do with our country's agricultural history, the Civil War, reconstruction South, and this guy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver
You beat me to it, and thank you. There's a rich history surrounding the peanut. I'm fifth generation Canadian immigrant, itself a rare thing. Most of my ancestors came from Scotland. I have a little of that heritage left but love of oatmeal is certainly featured. Visiting the old homestead with grandpa we found an old peanut butter tin nestled in the foundation which grandpa recalled fondly.
Peanuts, potatoes and oatmeal were the cheap, nutritious miracle foods for the masses back then.
I think the potato is still a miracle food! It is full of good things, is cheap, and definitely underrated. The problem, perhaps, is when they are deep fried or swimming in gallons of butter.
Oatmeal + Peanut Butter is just the best... must be both my Scottish heritage and my Southern US identity coming into play... how very Appalachian of me... or maybe they're just delicious together. It's just so nutty and hearty and cozy.
If you really want to get on the peanut train, travel to the deep south (like I live in Tenneesse and that's not far enough south) and buy some fresh boiled peanuts from a roadside stand. They are a delicacy. Next time I have them, I may have to try them with lime and sriracha.
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allaboutthecake wrote: »U.S. could be the only country that considers Peanut Butter as a "protein" vs a "fat." Most other countries look at Peanut Butter as a "fat."
That's not going to stop me from eating my homemade peanut butter cookies
i'm pretty sure most Americans haven't a clue what the macro breakdown is, nor do they care...I don't see the average Joe/Jane walking around with their PB sandwich talking about how awesome the protein is...they're just eating a peanut butter sandwich and nomming on some chips and a soda...
if asked, most of them would say it's mostly fat I think. only on MFP do you get people touting the protein benefits...but that's just MFP...which is fecking weirdo world to begin with.0 -
Nope, not weaned on it.
I don't actually remember having peanut butter until about 6th or 7th grade. Even then, I only got PB&J when mom ran out of deli meat. I liked peanut butter fine, but never thought it was all that until I was much older and was introduced to buckeyes and Ina Garten's peanut butter frosting.
Buckeyes are so very good! And I just love Ina.lemurcat12 wrote: »I hate ketchup too.
I feel like a bad American. For what it's worth, I really like apple pie and chocolate chip cookies.
Ditto!PeachyCarol wrote: »justrollme wrote: »As for Cheez Whiz—my opinion is probably very unpopular, I find it revolting in texture and taste. It's like vaguely cheese-laced gooey paste.
Agreed about Cheez Whiz. One of the greatest travesties ever in Philadelphia food culture was the day "wit'" came to mean with Cheez Whiz instead of regular cheese on a cheese steak. It's just so very wrong that a whole generation of people think it's the traditional Philly Cheese Steak cheese.
I live near Philly and I have to agree with this so wholeheartedly.0 -
MyNameIsNotBob wrote: »Yes, I grew up on it. Cheap, filling, nutritious, doesn't need refrigeration, versatile. Yum. I have some almost daily. I like the extra crunchy kind.
ETA: As to *why* we love it so much, it probably has a lot to do with our country's agricultural history, the Civil War, reconstruction South, and this guy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver
You beat me to it, and thank you. There's a rich history surrounding the peanut. I'm fifth generation Canadian immigrant, itself a rare thing. Most of my ancestors came from Scotland. I have a little of that heritage left but love of oatmeal is certainly featured. Visiting the old homestead with grandpa we found an old peanut butter tin nestled in the foundation which grandpa recalled fondly.
Peanuts, potatoes and oatmeal were the cheap, nutritious miracle foods for the masses back then.
I think the potato is still a miracle food! It is full of good things, is cheap, and definitely underrated. The problem, perhaps, is when they are deep fried or swimming in gallons of butter.
Oatmeal + Peanut Butter is just the best... must be both my Scottish heritage and my Southern US identity coming into play... how very Appalachian of me... or maybe they're just delicious together. It's just so nutty and hearty and cozy.
If you really want to get on the peanut train, travel to the deep south (like I live in Tenneesse and that's not far enough south) and buy some fresh boiled peanuts from a roadside stand. They are a delicacy. Next time I have them, I may have to try them with lime and sriracha.
Heresy!
Virginia roasted peanuts are the only way to go.
The texture of boiled peanuts are just *wrong*.
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cwolfman13 wrote: »allaboutthecake wrote: »U.S. could be the only country that considers Peanut Butter as a "protein" vs a "fat." Most other countries look at Peanut Butter as a "fat."
That's not going to stop me from eating my homemade peanut butter cookies
i'm pretty sure most Americans haven't a clue what the macro breakdown is, nor do they care...I don't see the average Joe/Jane walking around with their PB sandwich talking about how awesome the protein is...they're just eating a peanut butter sandwich and nomming on some chips and a soda...
if asked, most of them would say it's mostly fat I think. only on MFP do you get people touting the protein benefits...but that's just MFP...which is fecking weirdo world to begin with.
My folks have started a low carb higher protein diet. They were pretty convinced nuts are a high protein food until I pointed out the nutrition label. I'm guessing nuts are recommended in Atkins or South Beach (which then links them to protein in the dieters' mind). They've done both diets before and that's probably where they got the idea.0 -
suziecue20 wrote: »suziecue20 wrote: »I have to confess [wait for it] that until about 5 years ago I thought peanuts were real nuts [not legumes] and grew on trees like other nuts...runs and tries to hide
I just realized peas were legumes (since I finally actually looked up what the definition of a legume was)...
Lupins are legumes as well - lovely flowers but deadly poisonous if eaten. Bit of random info lol
You can eat lupin beans, but you have to let them sit in running water for an extremely long time.0 -
Peanut butter and bacon, though bacon is more universal in appeal.0
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If someone told me I could only choose one food to eat for the rest of my life......I would choose peanut butter, but only the natural kind.................just ground peanuts!!!!0
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My mom always told me if you drink milk with peanut butter you get a "complete protein". She always served me milk with PB sandwiches. Maybe the milk thing is where the connection between PB and protein comes in.0
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My Father was a peanut farmer, i have pb like 100 different ways but by far my absolute favorite is plain unsalted ground peanuts....no extra oil, sugar, salt, molasses. It makes a difference!0
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JinxedyJinx wrote: »My mom always told me if you drink milk with peanut butter you get a "complete protein". She always served me milk with PB sandwiches. Maybe the milk thing is where the connection between PB and protein comes in.
Milk helps you swallow the PB since it is thick and sticky.
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JinxedyJinx wrote: »My mom always told me if you drink milk with peanut butter you get a "complete protein". She always served me milk with PB sandwiches. Maybe the milk thing is where the connection between PB and protein comes in.
Milk helps you swallow the PB since it is thick and sticky.
But in all seriousness I like peanut butter better now as an adult then I did as a kid, we always had it in the house and I ate it occasionally in a sandwich (without jelly) and a glass of milk. Now I'm more inclined to eat it in a dessert with chocolate and actually enjoy it but regardless it's just not a first pick for me. Oddly everybody in my family including my husband loves peanut butter and forgets I don't usually eat it so they're always offering it to me lol I do think peanut butter is very quintessential to the typical American though, I really can't think of anyone I know (besides myself) who doesn't care for it much.
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I wonder how many of us have eaten peanut butter today after reading this post? (Raises hand holding peanut butter toast).0
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momoharuno wrote: »JinxedyJinx wrote: »My mom always told me if you drink milk with peanut butter you get a "complete protein". She always served me milk with PB sandwiches. Maybe the milk thing is where the connection between PB and protein comes in.
Milk helps you swallow the PB since it is thick and sticky.
But in all seriousness I like peanut butter better now as an adult then I did as a kid, we always had it in the house and I ate it occasionally in a sandwich (without jelly) and a glass of milk. Now I'm more inclined to eat it in a dessert with chocolate and actually enjoy it but regardless it's just not a first pick for me. Oddly everybody in my family including my husband loves peanut butter and forgets I don't usually eat it so they're always offering it to me lol I do think peanut butter is very quintessential to the typical American though, I really can't think of anyone I know (besides myself) who doesn't care for it much.
One of my "go to" stews is an African Groundnut stew which includes PB along with a lot of cumin and cayenne. Very tasty.
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I don't know anyone in France who tasted the stuff and actually liked it.
I didn't really at first but now I do... as long as it's with chocolate. I like almond butter better though.
In France I grew up with Nutella.
And I got to add... PB is NOT a good source of protein. WHY do people always say that?0 -
Oh thank you Americans, Australians, Canadians, Europe and everybody else in the World for your replies - I can only say I admire George Washington Carver immensely.
I do hope I haven't made anyone creep over their deficit he he!!!0 -
momoharuno wrote: »JinxedyJinx wrote: »My mom always told me if you drink milk with peanut butter you get a "complete protein". She always served me milk with PB sandwiches. Maybe the milk thing is where the connection between PB and protein comes in.
Milk helps you swallow the PB since it is thick and sticky.
But in all seriousness I like peanut butter better now as an adult then I did as a kid, we always had it in the house and I ate it occasionally in a sandwich (without jelly) and a glass of milk. Now I'm more inclined to eat it in a dessert with chocolate and actually enjoy it but regardless it's just not a first pick for me. Oddly everybody in my family including my husband loves peanut butter and forgets I don't usually eat it so they're always offering it to me lol I do think peanut butter is very quintessential to the typical American though, I really can't think of anyone I know (besides myself) who doesn't care for it much.
One of my "go to" stews is an African Groundnut stew which includes PB along with a lot of cumin and cayenne. Very tasty.
You know, I have heard of several African dishes that use peanut butter in them, I would love to try them someday I love trying new cuisines I just find it very interesting0 -
The peanut butter craze boggles my mind too. Why not go nuts over something sweet and yummy like honey, or something tasty like cheese spread? Peanut butter smells terrible and tastes even worse.
I also seems to be touted as a sweet thing but it's a savoury item isn't it? Like I don't see walnuts as a sweet treat, or cashew nuts.0 -
I hate peanut butter. I am afraid to try Nutella. I have heard its like crack.0
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The peanut butter craze boggles my mind too. Why not go nuts over something sweet and yummy like honey, or something tasty like cheese spread? Peanut butter smells terrible and tastes even worse.
I also seems to be touted as a sweet thing but it's a savoury item isn't it? Like I don't see walnuts as a sweet treat, or cashew nuts.
I think you answered your own question... :laugh:0 -
Alatariel75 wrote: »I know I grew to love it when I lived in the states, Australia is only now really getting on the peanut butter train.
Really? I'm Australian and have had peanut or 20+ years.
Peanut butter and butter sandwhiches. Crunchy peanut butter on toast.
There was always a jar or two in the house.
I havent had it much lately, I would imagine what I had would be too high in calories.
Is peanut butter really not that popular in Australia?
How big were the jars?
We've got a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard too ... my Australian husband likes it once in a while ... but it is teensy tiny. Maybe 500 grams. And it has lasted us forever.
The tubs I used to get in Canada were enormous 2 litre things, and before discovering my intolerance, I was motoring through those in no time.
500g would be my guess.
so maybe your right and american/canadians are into the peanut butter on a whole other level compared to australians.0 -
MaraNatha Caramel Almond spread=yum.0
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MyNameIsNotBob wrote: »Yes, I grew up on it. Cheap, filling, nutritious, doesn't need refrigeration, versatile. Yum. I have some almost daily. I like the extra crunchy kind.
ETA: As to *why* we love it so much, it probably has a lot to do with our country's agricultural history, the Civil War, reconstruction South, and this guy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver
Peanut butter is the one thing Carver didn't invent, peanut wise.0
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