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 BLUEBERRY POPSICLE MONTH

August 31, 2026August 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

September is National Blueberry Popsicle Month and a time to honor the creator of this tasty treat.

At age 11, Frank Epperson of Oakland, California, probably had no idea a simple mistake would make him an icon in the world of frozen treats. In 1905, Epperson accidentally left a glass of powdered soda and water with a mixing stick in it on his porch during a cold night. When he woke the next morning, he found his first creation of the ice pop. Blueberry to be exact. In 1923, Epperson patented the concept of ice pops. He initially called the treat “Epsicle” and later called it the “Popsicle.” A couple of years later, Epperson sold the rights to his invention the Joe Lowe Company in New York City.

Frank Epperson reportedly served the first ice pops at a fireman’s ball in Oakland, California. Since then, the Popsicle brand sells about two billion of their frozen treats a year. Though the most popular flavor is cherry. Blueberry popsicles have a few other variations to choose from besides the standard frozen ice pop. There is a Blueberry Greek Yogurt Popsicle and Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicle available too. If you prefer to make authentic ice pops, there are ice pop molds available for purchase. Martha Stewart is among those to have published recipes for blueberry pops.

Glow Pops: Super-Easy Superfood Recipes to Help You Look and Feel Your Best: A Cookbook

Popsicles: A Simple Popsicle Cookbook for Making Delicious Popsicles (2nd Edition)

Freeze and Sip: 99 Alcohol-infused Popsicle Recipes

Fun Summer Recipes for Kids: Popsicles, Smoothies, Milkshakes, and Other Delicious Sweet Summer Treats : 50+ Fun Recipes for Kids (fun cookbooks for kids ages 4-9)

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HOW TO OBSERVE

With the last warm days of summer, stay cool with a blueberry Popsicle.

Use #NationalBlueberryPopsicleMonth in social media correspondence.

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DeeBee’s Organics Classic SuperFruit Freezie Pops, No Added Sugars, No Artificial Flavors or Colors Freezer Pops (Pack of 25)

Fla-Vor-Ice Popsicle Variety Pack of 1.5 Oz Freezer Bars, Assorted Flavors, 100 Count

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE DAY

August 19, 2026August 18, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On August 20th, National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day lets you have your chocolate and pie, too! (National Pecan Pie Day is observed each year on July 12th if chocolate isn’t your flavor, but we don’t know anyone like that.)

Just like the original, chocolate pecan pie goes well with ice cream. Another southern delight, this treat features crisp pecans. Pecan pies fall under the sugar pie category which gives them a gooey, almost caramel center. Depending on the recipe, different sugars make the sweet batter for the pie. Both brown and white sugars can be used, but so can molasses. Corn syrup is a common ingredient as well. Even honey is used.

There is one ingredient that pops up from time to time that shouldn’t surprise some cooks. Some recipes call for a little bit of bourbon, rum or whiskey. Since these spirits hail from the southern parts of North America, seasoning with them is a natural method.

While pecan pies include eggs in the recipe as a binder, it’s interesting to note another sugar pie that was made when eggs were out of season. The pie is called a sugar cream pie. Though we can’t imagine there being a season for eggs, birds lay more eggs in spring and summer than they do in the fall and winter. Chickens rely on the sun to know when to lay eggs. When the days are shorter, they lay fewer eggs. In the winter, they may lay no eggs at all.

So, on small farms when the hens stopped laying, a sugar cream pie offered an alternative since no eggs are required to make it. Both chocolate pecan pie and sugar cream are delicious!

HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolatePecanPieDay

There are so many ways to celebrate the day. Whether you visit your favorite bakery and pick up a pie or bake it yourself, be sure to share with friends and family. Experiment with a new recipe or bake up an old favorite. We even have some recipes for you to try.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

More Pie Days to love.

Peach Pie Day
Apple Pie Day
Cherry Pie Day
Lemon Meringue Pie Day
National Pie Day
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Custard Pie Day
Bavarian Cream Pie Day
Blueberry Pie Day
Coconut Cream Pie
BlackBerry Pie Day
Pumpkin Pie Day
Pecan Pie Day
Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
Banana Cream Pie Day
Peach Pie Day
Key Lime Pie Day
Mincemeat Pie Day
Strawberry Cream Pie
Mississippi Mud Pie
Raspberry Cream Pie

Use #ChocolatePecanPieDay to post on social media. Tell your friends about this wonderful dessert.

NATIONAL FREEZER POP DAY

July 8, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

In the heat of summer, National Freezer Pop Day brings the sweet chill of relief! On July 8th, grab one of America’s favorite ways to cool off with a frozen sweet treat.

Freezer pops have a long history – one that’s over 60 years old. And that history includes kids and summer fun. What’s better than getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family? Well, perhaps cooling off with a freezer full of freezer pops in every flavor of the rainbow.

Summer is one of the best times of the year. It’s important to keep the freezer or cooler stocked with freezer pops of all varieties and textures. There’s one for people of all ages! They make the summer even better and more memorable. And they’re shareable, too. Everyone has their favorite flavor, and you know which one it is by looking in the seemingly always near-empty freezer or cooler. From lazy summer days to busy sporting events, these portable treats please even the pickiest crowd.

NATIONAL FREEZER POP DAY HISTORY

The Jel Sert Co. founded National Freezer Pop Day in 2020 to celebrate the summer and being a kid with freezer pops. The Jel Sert Co. is the maker of Fla-Vor-Ice, Otter Pops, Pop Ice, Kool Pops, All Sport, and Wyler’s Authentic Italian Ice.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFreezerPopDay

Stock your freezer with freezer pops. Enjoy your favorite flavor and include a friend or family member in the experience. Share your summer day with us by using #NationalFreezerPopDay on social media.

NATIONAL BOMB POP DAY

June 25, 2026June 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

The last Thursday of June is reserved for enjoying a summertime favorite. It’s National Bomb Pop Day! Invented in 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri, Bomb Pops are also known as the red, white and blue Popsicle. Having one of these frozen treats is a terrific way to kick off the upcoming 4th of July celebrations in your community!

History

On July 30, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, James S. Merritt and D.S. Abernethy created the Bomb Pop. Bomb Pop was given a trademark in 1971. Merritt Foods, owned by D.S. Abernethy, closed its doors in 1991, and Wells’ Dairy acquired the firm, along with Bomb Pops.

The Walt Disney Company and Wells’ Dairy agreed to jointly produce Buzz Lightyear Bomb Pops in 2003.

There have been several legal disputes between rivals selling similar-looking popsicles in 2014, but they were ultimately resolved.

Today….

The Bomb Pop is a frozen treat that Wells Enterprises now produces. Cherry, lime, and blue raspberry flavorings are present in the original flavor. There are nine primary Bomb Pop varieties as of 2015.[ Presently available varieties of Bomb Pop include Original, Fruit Bomb, Watermelon, Hawaiian Punch, Warheads, Jolly Rancher, Original Sugar Free, Banana Fudge, Lemonade, Tongue Splashers, and Nerds.

Here are some additional details that you may find interesting:

It is a popular treat for Independence Day celebrations in the United States.
The Bomb Pop is also known as the Firecracker Popsicle.
The name “Bomb Pop” was inspired by the Cold War, which was happening at the time the popsicle was invented.