Peanut Day

What Is Peanut Day?

November 11th is "Peanut Day" in Japan, established in 1985 by the National Peanut Association. This is the time of year when peanuts from the new harvest start appearing on the market. And because two peanuts often sit together like twins inside a single shell, the date with the repeating "11" was chosen.

A Unique Wordplay Likened to Twins in a Shell

Peanuts often contain two seeds nestled side by side inside a single shell, an image linked to the repeating numeral "11."

• Origin: the image of two seeds resting together like twins inside a shell evokes the repeating "11"
• Timing: it falls in the season when newly harvested peanuts start reaching the market
• Nutritional highlights: rich in quality protein, vitamin E, and dietary fiber

Enjoyed in Countless Forms, From Snacks to Sweets

Beyond eating them plain, part of peanuts' appeal lies in the many forms they take -- peanut butter, peanut cream, and various bean-based snacks. The Japanese name "rakkasei" (落花生, "fallen flower, born") comes from the way the stalk at the base of the flower's ovary grows downward after blooming, burrowing into the soil where the pods form. Chiba Prefecture is Japan's main peanut-growing region.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Shell and enjoy some peanuts
• Cook a dish or make a treat using peanut butter
• Look into the health benefits peanuts offer
• Learn about peanut-growing regions across Japan

A Pair of Twin Seeds Rests Inside a Tiny Shell

The two peanuts growing snugly together inside a single shell carry a certain charm. November 11th is a day to savor the depth behind this familiar snack.