Though the peanut plant probably originated in Peru or Brazil and later grown in Mexico when the Spanish colonists arrived, peanuts were later brought to the southern United States by enslaved West Africans beginning in the 1700s. When they first arrived in America, peanuts were considered a curiosity and a great animal feed, but the turn of the century would boost new technology as well as the research of renowned biologist George Washington Carver, who found around 300 different uses for peanuts and his work transformed the economy of eastern Virginia, and the state as a whole.

George Washington Carver, pictured above, was born a slave and kidnapped as an infant with his mother and they were re-sold into slavery in the deep south. Following the abolition of slavery, George Washington Carver's former owner tracked him down and raised and educated him. Carver went on to become an artist, educator, chemist, botanist and the man who raised the peanut from a lowly legume to a cash crop that saved the South's farming economy. His development of uses for the peanut run all the way from soup to soap. Raw peanuts, roasted peanuts, peanuts galore- without Carver's creativity, the peanut products we know and love today might never have come to be.

Harvesting and Selling Virginia Peanuts

In the late 1890s, Benjamin Hicks, an African American farmer from Southampton County, invented a gasoline-powered machine for stemming and cleaning peanuts. He successfully patented the device but faced a lawsuit from one of the most powerful farm-equipment companies of the time. Hicks won in court in 1901, and the picker he invented helped modernize peanut farming. It was not until the 1900’s when peanuts became extensively grown, partially because they were regarded as food for the poor, and because growing and harvesting were slow and difficult until labor-saving equipment was invented around the turn of the century.

Peanuts have been a part of Virginia’s history dating back to the first settlers. The first known commercial peanut crop of Virginia originated in Sussex County, near the present-day town of Waverly, in 1842. With sandy loam soils ideal for growing peanuts, Virginia quickly became the nation’s leading producer over the next forty years. In 1902, fourteen of the twenty peanut factories operating in the United States were in Western Tidewater Virginia. The production of peanuts in Virginia is concentrated in 8 or 9 counties in the southeastern corner of the state. Peanuts have dug their roots into fields and towns of southeastern Virginia, particularly the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, Surry, Isle of Wight and Southampton and the city of Suffolk. This is Peanut Country.

Virginia Peanuts Today

Since the late nineteenth century, peanuts have shaped every part of life in Western Tidewater, including Suffolk, which has been the center of peanut processing and marketing since the 1880s, and Southampton County, which is the heart of peanut farming in Virginia, even today.

Peanuts grown in Virginia are currently produced on about 26,0000 acres of land each year. Depending on the year, acreage ranges from this year's level to around 26,0000 acres, to averaging in the low 18,000-acre range. Of the 26,000 acres grown in 2017, 24,850 of those acres were Virginia peanuts with the remaining acres being the runner variety. Prior to the change in present legislation in 2002, Virginia typically grew 75,000 acres each year. From raw peanuts to roasted, Virginia is where it happens.

The tradition of peanuts in Virginia is not the only thing that keeps Virginia Peanuts on the rise. Of the four types of peanuts grown in the United States—Valencia, Runner, Spanish and Virginia—Virginia Peanuts are the most highly prized for their extraordinarily large kernels (the highest quality and largest size or grade of Virginia peanuts are known as “super extra large”). Contrary to its name, the Virginia-type peanut is also grown in several other states throughout the United States. Here at Hope & Harmony Farms we grow an estimated 1.5 million pounds of peanuts each year. Peanuts are typically a five-month crop once they have been planted. Planting season typically begins during the first week of May and harvest typically commences in September. To preserve the soil and ensure future generations can farm the land, peanuts are rotated with other crops periodically.

Peanuts are no longer just simple food or animal feed, but considered to be a superfood (the mighty peanut’s nutrition facts might just surprise you) and gourmets everywhere will agree Virginia Peanuts are the absolute best of the best! Hope and Harmony farms is based in the heart of Virginia, where we’ve been a part of the Virginia Peanut tradition for four generations. We’ve learned a thing or two about Virginia Peanuts and how to use them in that time. 

Southern Peanut Brittle Recipe:

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups raw redskin peanuts or blanched peanuts may be used

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons baking soda

In a heavy saucepan heat sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to a rolling boil.  Add raw peanuts. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly, 10-12 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches hard crack stage (300°-310° F) or small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a hard brittle strand.  Add butter, then baking soda.  Beat rapidly and pour on a buttered surface spreading to 1/4 inch thickness.  When cool break into pieces.  Store in an airtight container. 

Makes approximately 2 pounds.

Peanut Brittle is a delicious, old-fashioned, buttery treat that is the perfect edible gift during the holidays that it is sure to please.  If you find yourself out of time and need the perfect edible gift check out Hope & Harmony Farms.

The powerhouse of wine and peanut pairings are the sparkling wines (Champagne, Cava, Prosecco), which pairs wonderfully with sweet or spicy peanuts. Sparkling wine of most varieties is fantastic with salty foods, Hope & Harmony Farms recommends our Salted peanuts or our Cajun peanuts, both have just the right amount of salt to pair with the bubbles. If sparkling is not your wine of choice and prefer other whites we won’t leave you out, there are plenty varieties that pair well with several of our flavors. Chardonnay is best characterized as fruity and buttery, with a velvety feel that’s atypical to dry white wines. It has great acidity which is great for cutting the richness of creamy and decadent flavors. Hope & Harmony Farms Butter Toffee peanuts pair wonderfully.

Riesling is usually characterized as sweet, with intense fruit flavors. Riesling is a misunderstood wine, in the U.S. it varies a lot in style, and many produce a very sweet Riesling that has almost become the “norm” for Riesling style in the U.S. Truth is, Rieslings from Europe are often minimally sweet, and this wine’s balance of acidity and sweetness makes it a very food-friendly option. The best thing about Riesling, is that it balances spice incredibly well, making it a perfect accompaniment to Thai food or other spicy food like Hope & Harmony Farms Southern Heat-Habanero  peanuts or our Sriracha Virginia peanuts. Sauvignon blanc is best described as dry, tart and acidic with herbal flavors as well as tropical fruit. This crisp, lighter white wine is known for having a high level of acidity and a lot of citrus. It is a great wine to pair with dishes that are lighter yet still packed full of flavor, and the herbaceous qualities often found in the wine often bring out the herbs in a dish. We recommend Hope & Harmony Farms Sriracha Lime peanuts or our all NEW Salt & Vinegar peanuts, their tangy characteristics pair wonderfully with Sauvignon blanc.

Cabernet sauvignon is typically a very full-bodied wine with herbal notes. Cabernet is the red powerhouse of peanut pairings. It will go with almost any flavor of peanut, sweet or spicy. Try it with our Honey Roasted peanuts or our Salt & Pepper Virginia peanuts. The salt mixed with the richness of peanuts and the herbal notes of the wine mix together and leave your pallet completely satisfied. Merlot is fruity and spicy, it pairs well with Hope & Harmony Farms Peanut Brittle. The spices of the wine compliment the sweetness of the brittle wonderfully. Pairing with chocolate? Rule of thumb for wine and chocolate is to find a wine sweeter than your chocolate. So if you have a sweet red or white wine that you are having a hard time pairing try Hope & Harmony Farms Chocolate Covered Virginia peanuts or our Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle.

Peanuts provide a healthy and unexpected opportunity to serve a quick, easy, and classy snack with wine. So if you are looking for a new flavorful snack for girls night, try pairing your favorite wine with our favorite peanuts.

Quick tip: If you are ever eating hard to pair foods, like salad or aspargaus, try chopping up a handful of Hope & Harmony Farms Virginia Peanuts (any flavor), it makes all the difference by providing a flavor anchor for the perfect wine pairing.

Why Peanuts and Beer?

It’s a common belief that a bowl full of peanuts at a bar is nothing but a ploy to get guest to drink more. While this may be true, what many people don’t realize is that nuts make beer taste better. Hops are added to beer to help balance the sweetness of malt, however it is quite bitter in flavor which sometimes makes it unpleasant to drink. Good thing peanuts have something to counter with, Sodium chloride, also known as common table salt. The salt content in nuts helps counteract the bitterness of beer, making beer less bitter and easier to drink.

Peanuts not only help with bitterness, but they also aid in keeping that dry mouth feeling under control. Tannic acid is a by-product of the brewing process and another active ingredient in beer that the human mouth has trouble with. Tannins in beer dry the mouth by binding the lubricating proteins in saliva, creating that awful dry mouth sensation. Nuts, however, help combat the dreaded dry mouth. Nuts are full of healthy fats, which naturally re-lubricate the mouth and allow you to fully enjoy your beer without feeling dehydrated.

So now that we know what peanuts do for us when drinking beer, let’s see which style beers go with Hope & Harmony Farms delicious seasoned peanuts.

Pairings

Indian Pale Ale (IPA)- Generally, they are on the hoppy side with a high bitterness and notes of citrus. This would pair well with salty or spicy foods. We recommend trying them with our salted peanuts or sea salt & cracked black pepper peanuts to help cut through the bitterness. If you like tangy, then we recommend trying our lime peanuts or sriracha lime peanuts to bring out that citrus flavor. 

Pale Ale- They vary from place to place however they commonly have a nice balance of hops and malts. They may have floral and fruity notes with a bitterness that makes them a great pairing for a wide variety of food. So, we recommend trying these with our sriracha peanuts to taste floral and fruity notes or our Cajun & Crunchy Cheddar snack mix where those hard cheese flavors are really brought out.

Stout- Full-bodied and high in alcohol, they have a roasted flavor with coffee and chocolate notes. Stouts pair excellent with any peanut however, we recommend our decadent chocolate covered peanuts.

Porter-Can be either Smokey or hoppy, they are generally great with smoked foods. We recommend our cajun peanuts for a Smokey porter or our NEW salt & vinegar peanuts with a hoppy porter.

Pilsner- Hoppy with floral or spicy aromas. Pilsners are perfect for foods that aren’t too rich. Pilsners go great with spice and are a perfect pairing for our southern heat/ habanero peanuts. Lighter beers emphasize that oomph of the habanero seasoning. Pilsners also pair great with our NEW dill pickle peanuts which bring out those tangy floral aromas.

Hefeweizen- Incredibly refreshing with hints of wheat and clove. We recommend our virginia crabber peanuts which will bring out the zest of the clove or our redskin peanuts which will help release the prominent wheat flavor. They also go great with freshly roasted In-shell Virginia peanuts.

Peanuts are the yin to beer’s yang. Pairing them together strikes the right balance of flavors, textures and tasting notes for the ultimate in food experiences. Find the right beer to pair with your favorite beer to pair with Hope & Harmony Farms Virginia peanuts, we promise there is much more to it then just trying to get bar sales, you will experience the illumination of flavors and notes that make food so enjoyable.  Cheers!  Happy Eating!

Salt and Vinegar Flavored Peanuts

Salt and Vinegar is a classic flavor. From English fish and chips to American style potato chips, the salty, tangy combo has been a staple in snacks for generations. There’s something refreshing and satisfying about the salt and zip of Salt and Vinegar, but they also pack a punch. If bold, mouth-filling flavors are your thing, look no further than Hope and Harmony Salt and Vinegar Virginia Peanuts. Just be warned- you might not want to stop eating them!

Dill Pickle Flavored Peanuts

Dill Pickles are a staple across American households. Homemade, store-bought, or ballpark, Dill Pickles are a great snack for any occasion. They’re crunchy, refreshing, and never go out of style. Combine that flavor with Super Extra Large Virginia Peanuts and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Hope and Harmony Farms Dill Pickle Peanuts are sure to be a hit in your household- packing flavors of garlic, salt, dill and vinegar into every crunchy bite. Pick up a pack of these and you’ll be the hero of your next party, but be careful, if you open them beforehand they might not make it there, because you might eat them all yourself!

Both of our exciting new flavors are all natural, with no additives or preservatives. Peanuts are naturally gluten free and a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. Try them today! As always, for all things peanuts, stick with the peanut people at Hope and Harmony Farms.

First and foremost, you’re probably thinking to yourselves, “what are blanched peanuts?”To answer that question we have to start with a brief description of peanut anatomy. Peanuts are harvested with a hard outer shell, like you find on baseball peanuts. When the shell of a peanut is removed there is still a skin on the outside of the nut. If you don’t remove the skin from the peanut you get redskin peanuts. A blanched peanut is one in which the skin is removed. The blanching process is done by putting the peanuts in hot water for about three minutes, then rapidly cooling them and rubbing off their skins. Once, the skins have been removed spread them on paper to dry and refrigerate. Once they are cool and dry, voila- you have blanched peanuts!

What are the Advantages of a Blanched Peanut?

Blanched peanuts have a slightly soft texture and no shells. Blanched peanuts are great for DIY personal roasting, cooking, or baking (they’re great for making peanut butter). Depending on what you’re using the nuts for, redskin peanuts can be tricky to cook with. The skins often turn very flaky when cooked and you may find yourself constantly having to pick out the skins for appearance purposes. That’s why the smooth, clean blanched peanut can be invaluable in the kitchen!

That said, unblanched peanuts definitely have their purposes too (unblanched redskin peanuts make for great peanut brittle). The skins add a hint of flavor and are packed with nutrients that are ordinarily hard to get. Unblanched peanuts contain more nutrients (the skins pack a ton of hard-to-get nutrients), they are perfect for snacking. The satisfying, nutty flavor of a roasted redskin peanut alone is delicious even without candy coating. In the end though, it comes down to personal preference in the age-old debate of blanched vs unblanched peanuts. Try them both to find out which you prefer.

Are blanched peanuts raw?

Technically, yes. Blanched peanuts are still considered raw. The blanching process isn’t enough to fully cook them, unlike the process of boiling peanuts. As such, for your protection any peanuts labeled as RAW should be cooked prior to consumption. While they look tasty enough to eat straight out of the package, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t worry though, roasting blanched peanuts is easy to do, and there’s nothing better than warm peanuts fresh from the oven (just make sure they’re cool enough to eat… they’re so good you want to be able to taste them).

Can you roast blanched peanuts?

Absolutely! Roasted blanched peanuts make a great snack, and they can be tossed in any pasta dish or salad for a great protein boost. It couldn’t be easier to roast them either, simply place the blanched peanuts one layer deep in a shallow baking pan. Roast 350° F for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat just short of desired doneness as peanuts continue to cook as they cool. As soon as they start to turn golden they are done. Season immediately. Let cool and happy eating!

Whether you enjoy tasty blanched peanuts for cooking and creating or those unblanched peanuts full of flavor and nutrients for snacking, both choices are tasty and nutritious. Studies have shown that eating a healthy amount of peanuts daily may help reduce the risk of heart disease. For more on peanut nutrition, we have a page packed with facts about the health benefits of our favorite legume. Added bonus- peanuts are delicious! Blanched or unblanched, no matter what you choose, an ounce of our USA grown Virginia Peanuts a day, may help keep the doctor away. 

Nuts are widely available around the world, and for good reason. Around the globe and throughout history people have many different uses for nuts. We use them to eat, cook, add flavor, as feed for a variety of animals, and perhaps most importantly- to aid in nutrition. For simplicity’s sake, here we’ll focus on three of my favorite nuts: Almonds, Cashews, and of course Virginia Peanuts. Obviously these are just a few of the world’s finest nuts, but they’re versatile, accessible, and in the case of peanuts especially, affordable! Not only are all three nut varieties tasty, they are also packed with nutritional value that many people do not know about. Let’s break some of what make them three of the healthiest nuts.

Almonds Nutrition Information

Many people are partial to Almonds, and they are well-known as a healthy, nutritious snack. There’s good reason for this, too! Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts, and are among the world's best sources of vitamin E, with just one ounce providing 37% of the recommended daily intake.Higher amounts of vitamin E intake have been linked to lower rates of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Almonds are also high in monosaturated fatty acids, contain dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins like riboflavin (used to reduce migraines), and trace minerals such as magnesium (known to keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and your heart rhythm steady). Almonds have also proven to prevent heart disease, aid in bone health, reduce hunger, promote weight loss and can boost memory. 

Serving size= 1 oz. (20-24 Almonds)

160 Calories, 6g Protein, 14g fat (1 saturated, 9g monosaturated, 3g poly)

Cashews Nutrition Information

Though cashews have the lowest fiber content of the 3 nuts, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are all great in maintaining day to day bodily functions. Cashews have many unknown benefits including, heart health, nerve and muscle function, aid in the formation of red blood cells, and improved bone and oral health. Cashews also provide some relief from diabetes, anemia, and gallstones and even cancer treatments. They aid in lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Cashews are rich in sources such as Zinc, Selenium (good for your skin and helps prevent cancer as well), and Copper (has an important role in the elimination of free radicals from the body).

Serving size= 1 0z. (16-18 Cashews)

160 Calories, 4g protein, 12f fat ( 2g saturated, 7g monosaturated, 2g poly)

Peanuts Nutrition Information

As regular blog readers may already know, (we even have a page dedicated to peanut nutrition) peanuts are beyond a doubt one of the healthiest nuts available. Unfortunately, many people may not know about the mighty peanut’s dense nutritional content. Peanuts contain the highest amount of protein per serving (7 grams) which is crucial for growth and development in people of all ages. One serving of peanuts provides the body 10% of the daily need for folate (A B-vitamin that is important in reducing birth defects of the spine, brain, and spinal cord), so they are a great source of natural folate for anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

A serving of peanuts contains 2.5 g of dietary fiber, which meets 10% of the recommended daily intake. Diets high in dietary fiber are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, certain types of cancers, and have been proven to help with weight management. One serving of peanuts provides 20% of the daily intake for vitamin B3 (niacin) which contributes to brain health and blood flow to the brain. People who get more vitamin B3 from food are less likely to develop neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Vitamin B3 also helps keep the flu, colds, and infections at bay. Peanuts are rich in Vitamin E and polyphenolic antioxidants such as p-coumaric which may reduce the risk of stomach cancer, and Resveratrol, which has been found to protect against heart disease, cancer, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as viral/fungal infections. Consuming peanuts regularly also helps fight depression and aid in mood regulation due their high content of L-tryptophan (an essential amino acid that is vital for production of serotonin).

The myriad nutritional benefits of peanuts are too many to list all of here, but suffice it to say that an ounce of peanuts really packs a nutritious punch, and make them one of the healthiest nuts. Further, the relationship between peanuts and diabetes has been shown to be a positive one. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also been shown to reduce the side effects of brain conditions, stabilize good/bad cholesterol, and protect your skin and digestive system. Peanuts Are Certified as “Heart-Healthy” Food by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Program, because of the nutrients that they contain and the effect that they have on your heart and your health. They are a great snack, meal replacement, or pre-workout food. They can be eaten right out of the shell, hand roasted, or covered with your favorite seasoning. There are so many ways to effectively use peanuts on your way to a healthier you!

Serving size= 1 oz., (28 Peanuts)

170 Calories, 7g Protein, 15g fat (2g saturated, 7g monosaturated, 4g poly), over 30 Vitamins and Minerals.

Now that you know the facts, it is still hard to pick the “healthiest" nut, but now you can choose the nut which has the best nutritional value for YOU. Almonds have a variety of health benefits, but they mainly center around a good source of Vitamin E. If you are deficient in Vitamin E, then they may just be the cure you have been looking for, yet peanuts are right behind them and offer the body many additional benefits. Cashews aid in stabilizing good cholesterol however, peanuts stabilize both your good and bad cholesterol and lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. Peanuts target heart and brain health, they are a certified heart healthy food. They aid in blood flow to the brain, helping to keep the brain functioning properly. If you are looking to maintain your heart and brain function, peanuts might be the ideal snack for you. Regardless of your favorite type of nut, choose wisely, snack healthy, and eat peanuts. 

Their popularity as a wartime snack, plus advancements in peanut farming techniques and technology by George Washington Carver launched the once humble peanut into high demand. Peanuts were being farmed for consumption more than ever before, and it didn’t take long for them to find their way to what was becoming America’s Pastime- Baseball. Peanuts made a tasty and affordable snack to have during a baseball game and it wasn’t long before in-shell ballpark peanuts became a hit with baseball spectators. So it comes as no surprise that there was a push for the sale of peanuts at baseball games, where they could be snacked on throughout the often lengthy nine innings of the game.

Selling peanuts at baseball games started when a when a ballpark concessioner, Harry Stevens (the Babe Ruth of ballpark vending), sold advertising space on score cards at the games but, instead of a financial payment the peanut company paid Steven in peanuts, which he sold at the ballpark. Selling them at games is one thing, but how did they become such a hit? Well… “Take me out to the Ballgame” was written in 1908 and was a good reminder to fans to get up during the seventh inning stretch and grab some of these delicious snacks. It also helps that peanuts are salty and go great with refreshing beverages on a warm summer day at the park.

Vendors have a huge hand in the upsell of peanuts as well. At the local community baseball game or even at a professional stadium 9 times out of 10 you hear “Peanuts, Get Your Peanuts Here!” While that phrase dates back to corner peanut vendors after the Civil War, it has been co-opted by ballpark vendors and is now synonymous with baseball games. Some ballpark peanut vendors even become famous for selling peanuts- tossing them 20 to 30 rows to the delight of the spectators. Peanuts have become a staple of every ball field around the world, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere!

In-shell baseball peanuts fill stadiums around the world. It's not a ballgame if you aren’t standing in a pile of peanut shells. People stand in long, slow-moving lines, hop across seats, and even step on a few feet trying to get to the vendors for more peanuts. This seems crazy to the average joe, however to baseball enthusiasts, this is just another day at the field. Baseball fans are fanatical about their peanuts with each MLB team selling upwards of 70,000 bags of peanuts a season (that’s a ton of peanuts). Baseball and peanuts will forever be a classic combination.

From humble beginnings in the Civil War to being sold in countless numbers at ballfields across the country, peanuts have a rich history in the United States. Peanuts will always be a staple for Baseball and Ballparks all over the world- but you don’t have to be at the ballpark to enjoy a bag of baseball peanuts. Turn your own at-home watch party into a day at the park with a beverage and a bag of virginia peanuts- just be sure to clean up the shells afterwards! Check out all of the varieties of Virginia Peanuts for sale on our site, or can you roast your own at home with the recipe below! Looking for a twist on the classic ballpark peanut? Try our zesty, in-shell Cajun Peanuts.

Oven Roasted In Shell Peanuts

Ingredients:

Raw peanuts in the shell

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°

Place 1-2 lbs. raw peanuts in the shell one layer deep in a shallow baking pan.

Roast for 20-25 minutes

Allow to cool some before eating- enjoy!

TIP: Remove from the oven just before the desired doneness as peanuts will continue to cook as they cool.

Insulated Mugs from Eco Vessel

What’s better than a glass of whiskey out on the porch on a cool summer evening? With an insulated whiskey tumbler from Eco Vessel, your dad can enjoy a whiskey rocks from anywhere (that alcohol consumption is legal) from the fishing boat to the hammock, and not have to worry about it getting hot. Your father a coffee drinker? They also sell insulated coffee mugs that keep coffee hot and beer cold. The best part about Colorado-based Eco Vessel? They are dedicated to making the world a better place in addition to making stylish travel mugs. Eco Vessel is partnered with Water for People, which was started to secure access to clean water for people in underserved communities around the world. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also partnered with Elkay, who makes water bottle filling fountains, with the goal of eliminating plastic waste from single-use water bottles.

Cuckoo Clocks from Bavarian Clockworks

If your father (vater) has german heritage, is interested in clocks, or is just a little bit quirky, then this Father’s Day you could get him something truly unique: a cuckoo clock! Bavarian Clockworks sells authentic Black Forest Certified cuckoo clocks, sure to become an heirloom that will last for years to come. These clocks are handcrafted in the Black Forest itself, and each piece is packed with character and detail. We all get a little cuckoo sometimes… Why not go totally outside the box this Father’s Day? Not sure what kind of cuckoo clock to get him? Check out this handy guide to choosing a cuckoo clock.

Record Cleaning Equipment from Audio Den

Does your dad have a record collection sitting in the corner gathering dust? He might not have heard, but records are back in style for some reason. Don’t let the hipsters get his primo record collection for less than its worth- clean up the classics with the Okki Nokki record cleaning machine from Audio Den. It has retro styling combined with a clean, modern look, so it won’t look out of place next to the old turntable either. Recycle the old rather than buying new, that’s pretty environmentally friendly. Plus, Audio Den has a program where you can trade-in or trade-up your old equipment, if cleaning records is less your dad’s style than going all digital.

Recycled Ocean Plastic Sunglasses from Norton Point

If your father is a fisher, surfer, or simply a man in need of eye protection, what better way to protect his eyes than with recycled ocean plastic sunglasses? Norton Point sunglasses are made from plastic removed from the ocean (and thoroughly cleaned), and purchasing them is a great way to help the environment. On top of that, 5% of Norton Point’s profits go towards research on how to stem the negative impact of the massive amount of plastic in our oceans. No one likes trash islands- but he’ll love (and look great in) these stylish, sustainable shades.

State Fishing Hats from RepYourWater

Speaking of water and sun protection, fishing gifts are always a hit on Father’s Day. With designs for all 50 states, RepYourWater sells awesome (it says so right on the product page) hats designed for anglers. RepYourWater is first and foremost about conservancy, and they partner with organizations around the country that are protecting our country’s precious bodies of water. A hat purchase from RepYourWater means 3% of the of the price goes to a conservation partner in the corresponding state. He’ll be proud to wear it out on the fishing trip!

Single-Origin Coffee from Intelligentsia

A lot of dads out there aren’t really awake in the morning without their cup (or pot) of coffee, so one of the best Father’s Day gifts you can give him is something he’ll use every day. Intelligentsia Coffee is single origin, responsibly-sourced, and as environmentally friendly as possible. With big coffee companies you never know what you’re getting- how the workers are treated, exactly where the coffee comes from, and what its impact is on the environment. Intelligentsia works directly with coffee growers to source the best beans in the world, so not only is it sustainable, it’s also delicious. Be warned however, it’s so good it might just turn your father into a coffee snob. They also have tea if your dad isn’t a coffee drinker.

Months of Healthy Snacking from Graze

Many of our fathers probably don’t eat as healthily as they should. A snack subscription service, Graze delivers boxes of healthy, tasty snacks each month. You might not be able to force him to buy the right food at the grocery store, but if a box shows up on his doorstep every month he might just skip the potato chips this week.

Sustainably and Ethically Farmed Meats from Greensbury

Summertime and grilling go together like, well, dads and grilling. The secret to the best meat on the grill? Other than not overcooking it, the secret is getting the best meat. We’ve all had factory-farmed, unethically sourced grocery store meat that frankly just doesn’t taste as good. Everything is better straight from the farm, and with Greensbury you’re buying straight from the source. This Father’s Day get him a sampler pack of top quality beef that he’ll enjoy all summer. Still trying to get him to eat healthy? Try this sampler of lighter fare- just as tasty, with a bit less red meat.

Father’s Day Peanuts from Hope and Harmony Farms

Peanuts make a great Father’s Day gift, and there are no better peanuts than crunchy, buttery Virginia Peanuts. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol free and packed with more protein than any other nut. Plus, there is evidence showing that the resveratrol in peanuts may lower the risk of heart disease, an affliction sadly affecting too many dads out there. As if that weren’t enough, peanuts and diabetes have been shown to have a positive relationship as well, with peanuts being a great snack for diabetics. Hope and Harmony ships peanuts straight from the family farm in the heart of Virginia, so you know you’re getting nothing but the best Virginia Peanuts. For the father who likes a little kick in his snacks, try our Cajun Peanuts or our Southern Heat Peanuts that were featured on the Cooking Channel. Show your father you're "nuts about him" with a festive tin of peanuts.

No matter what your dad is into, whether it’s fishing, grilling, or snacking while watching a game, make this Father’s Day special with a gift he’ll remember. A healthy gift makes sure he’ll be around for many Father’s Days to come, and a sustainable one makes the world a better place for everyone. At Hope and Harmony we love the land, respect our roots, and always give our best. This Father’s Day, let’s all do the same! 

Often underappreciated, the raw redskin peanut is a surprisingly versatile legume! Yes, you read that right, peanuts aren’t actually nuts since they grow below ground. This also makes them more sustainable: they require much less water than their vogue cousin, almonds. Peanuts take 5 gallons an ounce compared to 80 gallons per ounce of almonds. Before we get into uses for the mighty peanut, let’s take a minute to discuss the health benefits of peanuts, something they don’t often get credit for. 

The skins of redskin peanuts are high in fiber and contain reservatrol, the same antioxidant found in red wine. Additionally, for the non-childbearing peanut lover there is evidence to support that peanuts help to prevent heart disease. With a single handful of peanuts a day, Virginia Peanuts provide essential minerals and vitamins that specifically target heart health. Another nice thing about raw peanuts is that compared to other healthy “nuts” they’re, well, cheaper. Harvard researchers found that peanuts are cheaper than any other heart healthy nut, allowing lower-income consumers to receive the heart health benefits of other, more expensive nuts. Sustainable and healthy, peanuts often don’t get the credit they deserve! To showcase the versatility of our favorite legume, we’ve put together a list of 8 tasty uses for raw redskin peanuts.

Before we get started, we should note that while all of Royal Oak’s peanuts are inspected by the USDA, they are still raw, and therefore may contain bacteria that if not cooked properly could cause illness. For your protection and enjoyment, always cook raw peanuts prior to consumption. According to a 2009 study by the USDA, roasting peanuts can also increase the amount of antioxidants in them, so it’s a win-win.

1. Roast Them- Roast your own raw redskin peanuts for a delicious, healthy snack. Roasted peanuts can be used in any of the following suggestions, and make for a tasty snack all on their own. Add a little salt for standard use, or get creative with your spices for something more exciting. Here’s a simple recipe for roasting raw peanuts:
   • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
   • Place your peanuts one layer deep in a shallow baking pan.
   • Roast for about 15-20 minutes, removing from the oven just before they’re done, as peanuts continue to cook as they cool.
   • Season to taste and enjoy!
   • CAUTION: THE PAN AND PEANUTS WILL BE VERY HOT!
2. Create Your Own Healthy Peanut Butter- All you have to do is toss your freshly roasted peanuts in a food processor, add a little sweetness (honey tastes great) and salt as you see fit, and grind them up until they’re smooth (or chunky, if you prefer). Homemade peanut butter doesn’t have the added sugars or preservatives like the store bought stuff, plus it tastes amazing- you have to try it yourself.
3. Add Some Protein to Your Favorite Salad- For a boost of healthy protein, add a handful of virginia peanuts to your favorite salad. Peanuts have more protein than any other nut!
4. Peanut Hummus- We might have surprised you with this one, but we weren’t kidding when we said raw peanuts were versatile! Showing off the legume side of their nature, you can make delicious homemade peanut hummus. Follow the link to find a recipe for a cajun spiced hummus that will knock your socks off.
5. Up the Protein Content of Soup- Just like with salad, toss a handful of roasted redskin peanuts into any soup for a boost of tasty protein. They’re especially good in Asian-inspired soups. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be soup. Making a dish of Pad Thai? Crush some peanuts and sprinkle them on top for that authentic Thai flavor.
6. Make Your own Healthy Trail Mix- Leave out the candy and mix up your own trail mix with redskin peanuts, raisins, or any other dried fruits you like.
7. Great in Granola- raw peanuts are great in homemade granola- just roast them with oats and add them to your favorite yogurt and you have a delicious, healthy breakfast. Here is one of our favorite peanut granola recipes.
8. Backyard Buddies- Not only are they great as a human snack, raw redskin peanuts are great, nutritional snacks for birds and squirrels. Load your bird feeder with your leftover peanuts and make your neighborhood animals that much happier.

If you thought peanut butter was all you could use raw peanuts for, think again! Raw redskin peanuts can be used for so much more than we were able to include on this list. If you find a use for them you love, feel free to share it with us. In addition to growing them, we love to hear how our customers use Virginia Peanuts in their day-to-day lives, so feel free to reach out if you have ideas or are looking to purchase raw redskin peanuts for yourself. Shop for a wide range of peanut products, from raw virginia redskin peanuts to roasted Southern Heat Virginia Peanuts in the Hope and Harmony Farms online store.