Packed with protein, the peanut makes for a healthy snack. Peel a peanut, pop open a packet to enjoy this legume. Excuse me, a legume? The peanut is not actually a nut but is family with peas and beans. These grow underground in pods - not on trees like nuts. Peanuts were discovered around 3,500 years ago in South America and have spread around the world to become a firm snack favorite in homes, offices, bars, and college campuses. Proteins, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, and zinc add to the power of peanuts. Until recent times, planting and harvesting peanuts was a task too difficult for farmers to do on their own. Time-consuming, low yields, and highly risky for farmers, farmers largely ignored peanuts until after the American Civil War. Modern farming technology has simplified the process - and the peanut surged to popularity around the world. Now, you can enjoy peanuts in chocolates, granola bars, and peanut butter. Yum-yum!

Every September 13th, we pay tribute to the humble peanut. Happy National Peanut Day!

We were unable to find the creator of this national day in our research, but we will be sure to keep you posted.