National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day Today
This year National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day has arrived on Monday and people everywhere are celebrating.
The holiday on April 2 each year salutes one of American's most popular peanut-derived sandwich spreads as well as the fruit-based spread.
Also known as a PB&J, the sandwich has been served for decades. While the origins of the PB&J are unknown, many people believe that the sandwich got its start during World War II when cooks combined soldier's rations of peanut butter and jelly together.
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Before graduating high school, the average child is believed to consume 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
George Washington Carver is largely credited for creating peanut butter in the U.S. The famous spread is comprised of 90 percent or more of peanuts.
Alternately, jelly contains both fruit juice and pieces of the fruit with no added sugar. The fruit is heated with water, and the preserves can be canned or sealed for long-term storage.
Aside from the broadly popular peanut butter and jelly sandwich, there are many recipes offering uses for the creamy spread and sweet jam- including cakes, pies, porridge, and pancakes.
Peanut butter and jelly fans took to Twitter posting about their National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day celebrations.
"Today is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day! Making this Peanut Butter and Jelly Coffee Cake," posted Michelle.
Debra wrote, "Yes, making a P & J sandwich counts for cooking! Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?"
"You don't have to use them on a sandwich or anything, just smear 'em on somewhere," advised Twitter user Ana.
While peanut butter has a high level of monounsaturated fats and is high in protein, vitamins B3 and E, and antioxidants, the spread has been banned in many schools because of dangerous reactions for people with a peanut allergy. Reactions include anaphylactic shock, which can result in death.
Among many dishes that call for it, the oils found in peanut butter are known to remove chewing gum from hair.
