While the question, “Anybody want a peanut?” will quickly bring to mind the rhyming scene from The Prince Bride for anyone who is a fan of that movie, it is a genuine question as September 13 is Peanut Day. Peanuts are consumed around the world, and China, India, Nigeria, the USA and Sudan are the top five producers. In Japan, Chiba produces almost three fourths (75%) of Japan’ peanuts, and they are a familiar sight growing in many fields in the areas around Narita. With peanuts being so common, did you know that over 300 uses for them were developed by one man? That man was Dr. George Washington Carver (1864-1943).
Born the son of slaves, Dr. Carver became one of the most notable chemists of his day. From his laboratory at The Tuskegee Institute, he developed over 300 innovative uses for the peanut as well as breakthroughs in the use of sweet potatoes, pecans and soybeans. His efforts in chemistry and food science paved the way for the growth of the peanut industry. In his day peanuts we often used for little more than animal feed, but they have grown into a multibillion-dollar industry.
In 1921, Dr. Carver was invited to speak before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in Washington DC. Initially he was given only ten minutes to speak, but the committee became so enthralled that the Chairman said, “Go ahead brother, you time is unlimited!” Dr. Carver spoke for an hour and forty-five minutes expounding on the potential of the peanut. At the end of his address the chairman asked him how he had learned of all these things, and Carver answered:
“From an old book.”
“What book?” Asked the Chairman.
Carver replied, “The Bible.”
The Chairman inquired, “Does the Bible tell about peanuts?”
“No, Sir,” Dr. Carver replied, “But it tells about the God who made the peanut. I asked Him to show me what to do with the peanut, and He did.”
Through divine inspiration from the Creator of not just the peanut but the entire universe, Dr. Carver understood how peanuts could be used in an array of products that included lard, mayonnaise, cheese, shampoo, instant coffee, flour, soap, face powder, plastics, adhesives, axle grease and pickles. Dr. George Washington Carver’s life is a true testimony not only of someone who rose above their circumstances, but also someone who lived a life with genuine faith in God. Erik