In the latest episode of The Peanut Podcast, co-hosts Ashton Pellom and Lauren Highfill Williams whisk listeners away on a globetrotting adventure through the captivating history and future of peanuts—think of it as an epic odyssey starring a humble legume!

From their South American origins to their North American fame, peanuts have traveled far and wide, fueled by pioneers like Dr. Charles Simpson, who embarked on 28 expeditions to uncover wild peanut species that are now the backbone of drought-resistant crops.

Along the way, we meet Dr. Steve Brown, who shares the inside scoop on the Peanut Genome Initiative, which mapped the peanut genome faster than you can say "buttery goodness."

And speaking of flavor, Dr. Chris Liebold from J.M. Smucker spills the beans on crafting delicious innovations like Jif's peanut butter chocolate—because nothing says love like a peanut-centric treat.

Dr. Jeff Dunne wraps up the episode by highlighting how industry funding is like a superfood for research, helping farmers thrive.

Whether you're a peanut enthusiast or just curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode is a crunchy blend of history, science, and tantalizing future possibilities that will leave you craving more.

Tune in and discover why peanuts might just be the unsung superheroes of the legume world!

Experiencing flavors from around the world is a priority for many consumers. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in traditional cuisines yet also find their way into new dishes with fresh takes on flavor pairings. Enjoying peanut foods is an easy way to pair familiar foods with the unfamiliar, ultimately allowing for more diverse palettes and opening the door to adventurous eating. Parents are also eager to raise more adventurous eaters. Diversifying a young palette can begin early with starting solids and including peanut foods in their diet. In this episode, we’ll explore exciting ways that consumers, restaurants and new parents are being adventurous with peanuts through interviews with Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat In Color, Amanda Lemein of Golin, and content creator, chef, and cookbook author Jon Kung.

In the U.S., we call them peanuts, but these tasty legumes are enjoyed in cuisines around the world. In Africa, peanuts go by many names like groundnuts, gerte, and nguba—the origin of the nickname "goober." In this episode, culinary experts and passionate food lovers reveal how peanuts are a key ingredient that connects diverse regions and plays a role in bringing vibrant flavors to African dishes. Explore how exciting, delicious and interconnected African food culture is through the lens of peanuts. We speak with chef Michael Twitty, Nina Oduro of Dine Diaspora, Catherine Karanja of NPB and chef Grace Odogbili.