The plant power of peanuts: Episode 95

Do you know the latest research on peanuts & allergens? Or that these protein essential grow in the ground? Or that the peanut plant is a legume that is rotated with other crops to help with soil health?  Case Cox Kerr is the sixth generation of her family to farm on the Flint River in south Georgia. Her family farm, Longleaf Ridge, produces sweet corn, peanuts, field corn, soybeans, and timber. She was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to serve as Georgia’s Board Member on the National Peanut Board, and is the first woman from Georgia to serve on NPB! Casey points to several misconceptions and wishes people knew how much peanut farmers nationwide have invested into peanut allergy research, education, and awareness.

• Peanut allergies & early intro guidelines for dietitians to know
• Myths about peanuts – i.e., that they are inflammatory or nutritionally inferior to other nuts.
• Misconceptions about general nutrition benefits – natural peanut butter, organic peanut butter, added sugars, fats – many consumers seem to think there are big differences in the nutrient profiles, but they are largely similar.

She points to the myths around peanuts creating misconceptions with consumers and misinformation being shared that can lead to unnecessary fear about a safe and nutritious food. 

Visit The National Peanut Board website or lonleafridge.com or connect with @caseycoxkerr on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.