PEANUT butter is a beloved staple in many households, but do you know its origins?
Some say it was invented by a Canadian, while others attribute it to an American.
So, what's the truth behind this creamy delight? Is it true that peanut butter was invented by a Canadian?
Verdict:
TRUE
Peanut butter has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century.
The invention of peanut butter is often credited to Marcellus Gilmore Edson, a Canadian chemist and pharmacist.
In 1884, Edson patented a method for making peanut paste by milling roasted peanuts between two heated surfaces.
This process created a product with a consistency similar to butter, lard, or ointment.
Edson's invention was primarily intended to provide a nutritious food option for people who had difficulty chewing solid food, such as those with dental issues.
He mixed sugar into the peanut paste to thicken it, making it more palatable and easier to consume.
This early version of peanut butter was a significant step towards the creamy spread we know and love today.
While Edson's patent was the first for peanut butter, the product's popularity and commercial success can be attributed to American innovators.
In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, an American physician and nutritionist, developed a version of peanut butter as a protein-rich food for his patients.
Kellogg's peanut butter was made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste, similar to Edson's method.
The commercialisation of peanut butter took off in the early 20th century.
In 1904, peanut butter made its public debut at the St. Louis World's Fair, where it quickly gained popularity.
By the 1920s, peanut butter had become a household staple in the United States, thanks to the efforts of American entrepreneurs like Joseph Rosefield, who developed a process to make peanut butter smoother and more shelf-stable.
Today, peanut butter is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.
It is a versatile and nutritious food that can be used in various recipes, from sandwiches to desserts.
References:
1. https://www.huffpost.com/
2. https://patents.google.com/
4. https://www.kristinholt.com/
