Project Description
Peanuts and the Environment: How They Impact One Another
Sustainability is a popular topic of discussion in every industry, from clothing production to conserving energy resources. At PB2, products like our Crunchy Powdered Peanut Butter or Powdered Peanut Butter with Dutch Cocoa are made to be the best peanut option to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Packed with protein, but with fewer calories and less fat than traditional nut butters, our products are also non-GMO, certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and contain no added preservatives! But none of this would be possible without the help of our peanut farmer partners.
Farming of any crop can affect the environment by draining the earth of natural resources like water and polluting the soil. Many of these effects have a lasting impact, resulting in problems for generations to come. The good news is that sustainable agriculture is possible and can help to preserve soil health and water quality. This is why we are so grateful that peanuts are one of the most sustainable and efficient nuts to grow! Learn more about the impact of peanut farming on the environment with these fun (and educational) facts.
Peanut Farming Requires Less Water Than Other Nut Crops
Did you know that peanuts have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut? They require much less water to grow when compared to other nut crops too. For example, the National Peanut Board has found that it takes about 3.2 gallons of water to produce an ounce of peanuts, compared to 28.7 gallons for an ounce of almonds! In fact, tree nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are some of the most water-intensive nut crops that can be grown. And since peanuts are also a deep-rooted crop, they can access a substantial amount of below-ground water which reduces the amount of water and energy resources needed to provide irrigation. Many peanut crops can almost be completely sustained through rainwater alone.
Peanuts Are Naturally Zero-Waste
Many crops produce byproducts that are unable to be consumed or utilized in other productive ways. This generates waste that must be disposed of, and in most cases, requires increased energy use. But not the peanut! Our favorite little legumes are actually a member of the pea family and every part – from the roots to the hulls can be used! After the peanuts are harvested, the remaining greens are so nutrient-dense, they can be reused as fertilizer for the next crop. And that’s not all! Peanut vines can also be processed as hay to provide feed for cattle. Even the papery peanut skins that cover each kernel provide rich antioxidants, serving as an inexpensive source of beneficial polyphenols that could be used to enhance other foods or as dietary supplements.
Peanuts Can Even Be Used As Fuel
You might be thinking, “this all sounds great, but what can you possibly do with the hard peanut shells?” The answer is, A LOT! Peanut hulls can now be processed into pellets that are being utilized in many exciting ways. Not only can they be recycled as a soil additive or absorbent, but they can also be used as a source of fuel! When these pellets are burned in conjunction with other carbon resources, they create a renewable source of biofuel that even contributes to energy production. And if you want to use the whole peanut, you can get even further. Peanuts contain about 50% oil by weight, which when processed under heat and pressure, can yield about 100 gallons of crude oil per ton. Talk about peanut power!
Planting Peanuts is Good for the Ground
Unlike some crops that can deplete the ground of natural resources, peanuts have a unique ability to help improve the soil. This is because they are “nitrogen-fixing”, which means they naturally take nitrogen from the air and then produce their own back into the ground. This enriches the soil and benefits planting efforts overall, which is one of the reasons why peanuts are typically grown in rotation with other crops. Planting peanuts also helps to improve soil porosity, decrease soil pH, recycle soil nutrients, and diversify beneficial microorganisms. Now that’s a lot of environmental goodness from one little nut!
As you can see, there are so many reasons to love peanuts! They are not only good for your health, but they are good for our planet as well.
PB2 Peanut Butter Recipes
Celebrate the sustainable power of peanuts every day, by trying one of our tasty PB2 peanut powder-packed recipes. With breakfast, as a snack, or even on dinner – you can feel good about enjoying environmentally-friendly peanuts anytime!
- Peanut Butter Pancakes
Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy stack of yummy pancakes! Parents and kids alike won’t be able to resist our peanutty twist on this favorite weekend treat. And just to make sure everyone can enjoy this PB2 treat, the recipe is also vegan-friendly!
https://pb2foods.com/portfolio-item/peanut-butter-pancakes-2/
- Baked Peanut Salmon
While we love it on salmon, this awesome marinade can be used to make any meat or tofu option shine. One-fourth cup of Original PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor to a whole new level. Let your protein of choice marinate in the refrigerator overnight for best results!
https://pb2foods.com/portfolio-item/baked-peanut-salmon/
- Thai Peanut Curry
This recipe is the perfect savory dish for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a workday lunch when you’re just too busy to cook. With fresh jasmine rice, crisp cilantro, creamy coconut milk, and Crunchy PB2 – your family will think that you ordered take-out instead!
https://pb2foods.com/portfolio-item/peanut-curry/
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cakes
These molten lava cakes with PB2 Crunchy are the key to every sweet-tooth craving. Make any occasion a little extra special by whipping up these decadent desserts that take little to no time to make and pack a satisfying punch of ooey, gooey chocolate in every bite.
https://pb2foods.com/portfolio-item/peanut-butter-chocolate-lava-cakes/
- Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bars
So many snacks are stuffed with additives and preservatives. Support your health goals and calm any grumbling tummy with these peanut butter banana granola bars. Perfect for a grab-n-go energy boost, you can add them to your kid’s backpack, pack them in a purse, or bring a whole batch along on your next road trip adventure!
https://pb2foods.com/portfolio-item/peanut-butter-banana-granola-bars-recipe/
For more recipes from PB2, follow us on Instagram or check us out on Pinterest. Also, you can find a full list of all PB2 products available for purchase here.
