- Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free.

- Peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the USA.

- There are four types of peanuts are grown in the USA. - Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia.

- Four of the top 10 candy bars manufactured in the USA contain peanuts or peanut butter.

- The average American consumes more than six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter products each year.

- March is National Peanut Month.

- Peanuts are planted after the last frost in April or early May.

- Dr. George Washington Carver researched and developed more than 300 uses for peanuts in the early 1900s; Dr. Carver is considered "The Father of the Peanut Industry" because of his extensive research and selfless dedication to promoting peanut production and products.

- Astronaut Allen B. Sheppard brought a peanut with him to the moon.

- The world's largest peanut was 4 inches long and was grown by Earl Adkins in North Carolina.

- Tom Miller pushed a peanut to the top of Pike's Peak (14,100 feet) using his nose in 4 days, 23 hours, 47 minutes and 3 seconds.

- Most USA peanut farms are family-owned and -operated.

- The peanut plant originated in South America.

- As early as 1500 B.C., the Incans of Peru used peanuts as sacrificial offerings and entombed them with their mummies to aid in the spirit life.

- Peanuts contribute more than $4 billion to the USA economy each year.

- The peanut growth cycle from planting to harvest is about five months.

- The average peanut farm is 100 acres.

- The peanut plant produces a small yellow flower.

- Americans eat more than 600 million pounds of peanuts (and 700 million pounds of peanut butter) each year.

- Peanuts flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.

- Two peanut farmers have been elected president of the USA - Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

- Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.

- A mature peanut plant produces about 40 pods that then grow into peanuts.

- Peanuts are a good source of folate, which can reduce the risk of certain birth defects in the brain and spinal cord.

- Ever wonder where the term "Peanut Gallery" comes from? The term became popular in the late 19th century and referred to the rear or uppermost seats in a theater, which were also the cheapest seats. People seated in such a gallery were able to throw peanuts, a common food at theaters, at those seated below them. It also applied to the first row of seats in a movie theater, for the occupants of those seats could throw peanuts at the stage, stating their displeasure with the performance.

For more about peanuts:
Celebrate March, National Peanut Month!
Peanut Nutrition
Food Trends Usher in a New Era of Simplicity, Flavor and Nutrition ... and Peanuts are a Flawless Fit
Fun Facts About Peanuts
Fun Facts About Peanut Butter
40 Ways to Enjoy Peanuts and Peanut Butter

Peanut Recipe Collection
How does a peanut grow color in page for Kids
Power Your Day With A Peanut & Banana-Packed Breakfast
THAI It All Together ... with Peanuts