The Myth of George Washington Carver and Peanut Butter

Hello Hue-man!

In a previous issue of History in Hue, we highlighted the many accomplishments of George Washington Carver, a prolific inventor who developed hundreds of products from peanuts, including dyes, plastics, gasoline, and nitroglycerin. But for some peculiar reason, Carver is often mistakenly credited with the invention of something he never took credit for inventing - peanut butter.

While Carver made significant contributions to agricultural science and promoted the use of peanuts in various products, he did not invent peanut butter.

The Origins of the Peanut Butter Myth

The association of George Washington Carver with peanut butter likely stems from his extensive work with peanuts. Carver was a prominent agricultural scientist who developed numerous uses for peanuts, aiming to provide alternative crops for farmers in the South. His promotion of peanuts and his pioneering research made him synonymous with peanut innovation. However, peanut butter existed long before Carver's time.

The earliest references to peanut butter date back to the Aztecs and Incas, who ground roasted peanuts into a paste. In the modern era, the process of making peanut butter was patented by Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884, and later advancements were made by John Harvey Kellogg and Ambrose Straub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Carver’s Legacy Beyond Peanut Butter

Despite the common misconception about peanut butter, George Washington Carver's contributions to science and agriculture are profound and wide-ranging. He introduced crop rotation methods and developed techniques to improve soil health, significantly benefiting Southern farmers.

Did You Know?

• Carver was the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science degree when he graduated from Iowa State University in 1894.

• He was also an accomplished artist and musician, with a deep love for painting and playing the piano.

Join the Conversation

Share your favorite lesser-known historical facts with us on social media using #HistoryInHue, and we might feature them in our next issue!

Best regards,

Gio