Peanuts: The Illustrious History of the Goober Pea

The Food Series

by Andrew F. Smith

The peanut's rise from a lowly bean to national favorite The peanut is one of the most versatile and beloved of American food icons. In this first culinary history of the protein-laden legume, Andrew F. Smith follows the peanut's rise from a lowly, messy snack food to its place in haute cuisine and on candy racks across the country. Chronicling how peanut consumption and production has changed throughout history, Smith highlights the peanut's role in the ways economic distress, wartime conditions, industrialization, and health trends reflect and inform our culinary landscape. Chock-full of photographs, advertisements, and peanut recipes from as early as 1847, this entertaining and enlightening volume is a testament to the culinary potential and lasting popularity of the goober pea.

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Andrew Francis Smith teaches food studies at the New School University in Manhattan. He has written more than three hundred articles in academic journals and popular magazines and has authored or edited seventeen books, including The Oxford Encyclopedia on Food and Drink in America, a James Beard finalist in 2005. He has been frequently appeared on several television series, including the History Channel's American Eats, and the Food Network's Heavy Weights.

Reviews

[dejah_thoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another food micro-history that will provide you with several fun bits of trivia if nothing else. Although I recognized many of the major references, I was surprised that Smith didn't visit some of the more well-known culinary archives but relies more on corporate archives for his sources. Notes are extensive and a sampling of historical recipes is also provided to illustrate the range of peanut uses. Of course, not all stories center around their culinary value. Smith also does an excellent job of debunking the George Washington Carver myth (he was more peanut promoter than scientist), commenting on Jimmy Carter's rise to the Presidency, and discussing the fall of the mighty peanut as allergies and other health concerns eliminate childhood delicacies like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Overall, a fun read, but very hunger-inducing too, especially the section on candy.