March is National Peanut Month. It’s a time to celebrate the little legume with big impacts on health and the economy.

Alabama peanut farmers are proud of the peanuts they produce and take pride in growing a nutritious and sustainable food source for the state, nation and the world. 

The Alabama peanut industry contributes approximately $211.4 million annually to the state’s economy. Over 850 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. 

Peanut production was once limited to the extreme Southern counties of Alabama. In 2019, peanuts were grown in 38 of the state’s 67 counties. Peanuts are grown from Alabama’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills.

But what makes peanuts so powerfully nutritious? One ounce of peanuts provides 7 grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, fiber and bioactive compounds. One small serving of peanuts helps reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer. 

Peanuts are highly sustainable — 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 1-ounce serving of shelled peanuts. Peanuts require the least amount of water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut.

What’s the best way to celebrate National Peanut Month? Eating peanuts and peanut butter, of course! Incorporate peanuts into a daily diet to receive all the nutritional benefits that come along with them. Try these recipes provided by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, and enjoy the perfectly powerful peanut! 

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association represents the interests of Alabama peanut growers through education, promotion and research. Visit ALPeanuts.com for more information about the organization.

Baked Salmon With Peanut Butter Glaze

Serves 4. Cooking Time 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound salmon

1 teaspoon olive oil

Freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

1/4 cup 100% orange juice

Instructions

Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place salmon on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Bake salmon for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

In small sauce pot over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, chili garlic sauce and orange juice and cook until warm.

To serve, pour peanut butter glaze over salmon.

Nutty Nutritional Notes

Nutrition facts per serving: 334 calories, 23 grams total fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 50 milligrams cholesterol, 173 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams sugar, 27 grams protein, 0% vitamin A, 8% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 3% iron

Honey Roasted Peanut Pie

Developed by Kathleen Royal Phillips of Grits and Gouda, Nov. 17, 2019

Makes 1 pie. Cooking time 45-50 minutes.

Ingredients

1 refrigerated, rolled up pie crust dough 

3 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 1/2 cups honey roasted peanuts 

Instructions

Let rolled up pie crusts stand at room temperature according to package directions. Don’t skip this step.

Heat oven to 350 F.

Meanwhile, whisk together eggs in a large bowl until the white part of the egg is blended with the yolks. Whisk in sugar, corn syrup and vanilla extract.

Put peanut butter in a very small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 20 seconds or just until it melts and pours easily. Whisk into filling mixture. Stir in peanuts.

Gently unroll the pie crust dough and smooth out the curled edges. Fit the pie crust dough in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Using your thumb and two fingers, pinch the pie crust to flute the edges. 

Give filling mixture a quick stir and pour into fluted crust.

Bake on center rack 45 to 50 minutes or just until center is set. Let cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.