NATIONAL PEANUT DAY

September 12, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On September 13th National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.

Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground, like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.

The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in vitamins E and B6, but they’re rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Studies also show when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, this wonderful legume helps us absorb nutrients better, too.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 16 Ounce

PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein, 2.19 lb Jar — 365 by Whole Foods Market, Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 16 Ounce

For the longest time, livestock gained the most significant benefit from all these nutrients. Until modern methods came along, planting and harvesting peanuts were labor-intensive and risky endeavors for farmers. Gradually their popularity grew. Civil War soldiers found a fondness for them, and so did fans of PT Barnum’s traveling circus. But what made it possible for peanuts to be grown in abundance was an advancement in farm technology. Just like the cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry, planters and harvesters transformed not only the peanut farm but farming the world over.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack ~ lyric from Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1908) by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer.

Dr. George Washington Carver

With the rise in peanut production, there also brought an increase of curious investigation into its possible uses. When the boll weevil wreaked havoc on the South’s cotton crop, Dr. George Washington Carver, made a suggestion. He had been researching this amazing groundnut and suggested farmers diversify into peanuts. It was an economic boon to Southern farmers. He published his research “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption” in 1916. His continued research resulted in more than delicious uses for this goober, groundnut or ground pea. From shaving cream to plastics and cosmetics and even coffee, Dr. Carver’s appetite for the peanut seemed to be unending.

Many of the peanut discoveries Dr. Carver made 100 years ago are still being used today.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPeanutDay

Explore the world of the peanut and crack open some for a healthful snack. Use #NationalPeanutDay to post on social media.

PLANTERS Sweet & Spicy Peanuts, 16 Ounce

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NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH

August 31, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together with major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September. As a result, September is known as National Chicken Month! This once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, has turned into one of the year’s best performing sales periods. September might be the month we find out which came first, the chicken or the egg.

First domesticated for cockfighting, the chicken eventually made its way to the dinner table. Many families have their own homemade spice recipes. A major part of enjoying chicken is the spicing. Food experts have debated for years about the contents of KFC. White pepper, paprika, and even Thousand-Island dressing are among the eleven herbs and spices supposedly in the Colonel’s recipe.

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 12.5 OZ Can

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There are 25 billion chickens in the world, making them the most abundant bird species. Did you know all vertebrate species lay eggs? And, all hard-shelled variety eggs originated with reptiles? Chickens, like many birds, are descendants of the dinosaurs. Chickens are relatively closely related to reptiles on the evolutionary chain. In recent decades, many researchers have started describing dinosaurs as more like flightless birds than reptiles. Even though chickens are not entirely flightless, they can get airborne enough to get over a fence or into a tree.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Ever wonder why so many different meats like rattlesnake and alligator apparently taste like chicken? Several explanations point to why mainstream Americans tend to have limited experience with judging flavor. Our taste buds, in other words, are not finely tuned. Our meat experiences are limited mostly to beef, pork, and chicken. A gourmet with a seasoned palette has a broader experience, which makes them more apt to identify exotic meats like rattlesnake and alligator.

Chicken is full of health benefits. When eaten without the skin, chicken is very lean. It is carb-free and rich in Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as two important minerals, phosphorus, and selenium. Various parts of the chicken are considered special treats in some countries. For instance, in China, chicken feet are considered a delicacy.

HISTORY

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together all of the major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September, turning a once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, into one of the year’s best-performing sales periods.

Explore More…

Chicken Cordon Blue Day
National Chicken Month
National Keto Day
National Chicken Curry Day
National Chicken Wings Day
National Fried Chicken Day
National Rotisserie Chicken Day
National Poultry Day
National Pork Rinds Day
National Chicken & Waffles Day
National Chicken Boy Day
National Chicken Lady Day

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to observe National Chicken Month. We recommend trying a new recipe. Whether you choose white meat, dark meat, fried, broiled, baked or warmed over, prepare your chicken the way you like it!

Try one of our family favorites…

Use #NationalChickenMonth in social media correspondence.

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NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY

August 23, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Waffle Day on August 24th commemorates the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent issued. Celebrate by savoring your favorite kind of waffle!

On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York received his patent for the waffle iron. While waffles existed long before then, the invention made waffles more readily available.

Eaten throughout the world, a waffle is a leavened batter or dough. When cooked between two patterned plates, the dough bakes in the waffle’s characteristic uniform impressed surface. Waffles also come in many forms. Depending on the type of batter or iron used, the resulting waffle varies by consistency, size, shape, and flavor.

Waffle irons and waffles originated around the 14th century. An anonymous husband penned the first known waffle recipe as a set of instructions for his wife. According to the manuscript, Le Ménagier de Paris, each of the four recipes began:

Beat some eggs in a bowl, season with salt and add wine. Toss in some flour, and mix. Then fill, little by little, two irons at a time with as much of the paste as a slice of cheese is large. Then close the iron and cook both sides. If the dough does not detach easily from the iron, coat it first with a piece of cloth that has been soaked in oil or grease.

Birch Benders Organic Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix

Krusteaz Light & Crispy Belgian Waffle Mix – No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives

Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes, Flapjack and Waffle Baking Mix, Buttermilk, 20 Oz, (Pack of 6)

1911 – First electric waffle iron introduced by General Electric.
1953 – Frank Dorsa’s Eggo Frozen Waffles are sold in Supermarkets for the first time.
1964 – Belgian Waffles debut at New York’s World’s Fair.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWaffleDay

Enjoy your favorite waffle recipes. Or visit a local restaurant for some fresh served waffles. Restaurants across the country specialize in waffles, crafting delicious combinations for every meal of the day. No matter your preference, there’s a waffle for you!

Invite friends over for a waffle making party. Set up a buffet with fresh fruit, syrups, and nuts. Ask them to bring their best ingredients and get tasting! You never know what you’ll discover. Make it breakfast, brunch, snack or dessert, waffles are very versitile.

True Belgian Waffles Classic Buttermilk Waffles Apple Cinnamon Waffles Banana Oatmeal Buttermilk Waffles Best Chocolate Chip Waffles

Use #NationalWaffleDay to post on social media.

Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless,Silver
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NATIONAL RASPBERRY BOMBE DAY

August 10, 2026August 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Raspberry Bombe Day on August 11th recognizes this tantalizing frozen dessert. A raspberry bombe creates a beautiful finale to any summer meal, and it’s delicious, too!

Throughout August, raspberries are ripening. That’s why this is the third raspberry holiday in the month. Who doesn’t love the sweet, juicy berry? And they’re even better frozen into a delicious dessert.

A typical bombe contains sherbet, heavy cream, sugar, chopped nuts, candied fruit and a dash of rum. The dessert is layered using a spherical mold and frozen overnight. With raspberries as the main ingredient, the result creates a terrific centerpiece.

Fruity days to enjoy…

HOW TO OBSERVE #RaspberryBombeDay

Numerous recipes for these frozen treats can be found in cookbooks and on the internet. They’ve been served in a variety of flavors since at least 1882. Create your own after picking some fresh raspberries. Share the treat with your helpers.

Use #RaspberryBombeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL RASPBERRIES N’ CREAM DAY

August 6, 2026August 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Enjoy fresh berries in cream on August 7th during National Raspberries N’ Cream Day. With the raspberry season in full swing, what better way to celebrate than with this simple and delicious treat.

There are several days on the calendar celebrating raspberries. We just finished National Raspberry Cake Day last week.

At one time, raspberries were a midsummer crop. However, new technology, cultivars, and transportation make it possible to enjoy these sweet berries all year long. Because of these new technologies, raspberry growers now have an extended selling season.

Sweet Candy Company Raspberry Milk Chocolate Sticks 10 Ounce

High Protein Healthy Snacks, No Added Sugar Keto Bars, Ideal To Help Blood Sugar Support, Diabetes Snacks for Adults and Kids, Yogurt and Berry, 15 Count) — Sweet Candy Company Raspberry Milk Chocolate Sticks 10 Ounce

Did You Know?

There are more than 200 species of raspberries.
Scotland grows an abundance of raspberries. Raspberries love their fertile, well-drained soils.
However, Russia produces the most raspberries in the world at 120,000 tons per year.
Besides red, raspberries also come in purple, gold and black colors.
Unlike other fruits, raspberries don’t ripen off the shrub. If picked green, the raspberry will not sweeten or soften.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #RaspberriesNCreamDay

While enjoying raspberries at the height of their season, explore recipes. There are so many ways to enjoy raspberries. Preserving them in jams and jellies is just one way. Another delicious treat this time of year is ice cream. Baked goods are always a family favorite, too.

However, eating berries fresh off the shrub is one of the greatest pleasures around! Visit a pick-your-own farm and experience warm, juicy berries popping in your mouth on a summer day.

Use #RaspberriesNCreamDay to post on social media and spread the word.

Jen's Perspective Blog

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NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

HISTORY

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HOW TO OBSERVE

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