Since 1901, when the first reference of peanut butter paired with jelly on bread was published by Julia Davis Chandler in the Boston Cooking-School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics, the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich has been a staple of the American diet. In fact, a 2002 survey showed the average American will have eaten 1,500 of these sandwiches before graduating from high school. Incredible!
Today, April 2, 2015, is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. This pairing is one of our nation’s “Royal” food couples and amongst the original, “it goes together like…” sayings. Some other favorite couples include:
- Peas and Carrots
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Eggs and Bacon
- Cheese and Crackers
- Bert and Ernie – not food, but I digress.
In honor of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, here are some of the most prominent virtues of the sandwich:
PB&J’s are delicious and nutritious: Despite their undeniably delightful taste, these sandwiches deliver great nutritional value including dietary fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.
They remind us of the simpler things in life (and not just because they’re easy to make): Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches have a certain nostalgia about them. In addition to reminding us of our childhoods, they are super convenient. Need a quick snack? Running late in the morning? No food in the fridge? – Don’t worry, your old friend PB&J is there to pick you up.
They teach us about sacrifice: Fruit gets crushed for a living and peanuts have extremely tight living quarters. There are enough peanuts in one acre to make 30,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Also, it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter. Rest peacefully in my stomach, PB&J.
Versatility: From strawberry jam to grape jelly, chunky peanut butter to smooth peanut butter, white bread to bagels, the possibilities for crafting your ideal PB&J are nearly endless.
The list could truly go on forever, but I’m going to make like a PB&J and keep it simple. Thanks for reading and add your virtues to the comment section!
