By Emmy Powell

Today is National Peanut Day, so let’s go nuts and talk all about peanuts!

Texas is the fourth-largest peanut-growing state in the nation, and it’s the ONLY state that grows all four peanut varieties!

These varieties include Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia.

Do you know the difference between each type? Don’t worry. Here are a few ways to tell them apart!

Runner peanuts are the most widely consumed variety with a delicious flavor. They are medium-sized peanuts and are ideal for peanut butter.

Virginia peanuts are the largest of all peanut varieties and are often called “cocktail nuts.”  They have large kernels and are great for processing.

Spanish peanuts have kernels that are small with reddish-brown skin. You will typically see this variety in candies, snacks and peanut butter.

Valencia peanuts usually have three or more kernels and have bright red skin. They are mostly sold in-shell, boiled or served roasted. This variety is less frequently grown in the United States but is primarily grown in West Texas and New Mexico.

Let’s spread the love and talk about some nutty facts!

Did you know that peanuts aren’t actually nuts? They are legumes like beans, peas and lentils.

Peanuts also make up two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the United States!

You need just one acre of peanuts to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.

On average, an American eat threes pounds of peanut butter every year.  

And Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter both served as president of the U.S. and were peanut farmers!

Does all this talk about peanuts have you craving a nutty treat?

Try peanut brittle. It’s a classic treat that takes me back to my childhood.

A few other tasty peanut snacks are peanut butter bon bons and peanut butter nuggets. But of course, you can never go wrong with a PB&J or peanut butter and banana sandwich!

What are other some other ways you like to eat this tasty treat for National Peanut Day and any other day of the week? Share with us in the comments!