The humble peanut is more than just a snack—it’s a scientific marvel with a history spanning thousands of years. Native to South America, peanuts were cultivated by the Incas and later spread worldwide through Spanish explorers.
Despite its name, the peanut isn’t a nut—it’s a legume, related to beans and lentils. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it an environmentally friendly crop. In the early 20th century, George Washington Carver revolutionized peanut use, developing over 300 products, including peanut-based plastics, dyes, and even fuel alternatives.
Today, peanuts are used in foods, cosmetics, and biofuels, proving that this tiny legume is one of nature’s most versatile creations.
