While numerous cultures have been whipping up nut and syrup creations for centuries, it’s very likely that the peanut brittle we know and love is American in origin.
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Classic confection handcrafted here in Washtenaw County
This stuff was great as soon as Charlie Frank started making it at the Candy Manufactory nearly 20 years ago. Many around here are actively admitting to having eaten a half a bag in a single sitting. What makes it so special? Cane sugar, the same Virginia Runner peanuts that are in the Zzang!® bars, and some Irish butter. “I cook the cane sugar to shades of deep gold to bring out all the flavor, and the peanuts are in there long enough to roast perfectly,” Charlie always used to tell us. That dark toasting (remember the Maillard effect) makes for a more caramelly, toasty, less sweet-tasting brittle.
The story behind peanut brittle.
The general origin story of peanut brittle is that it came from the South, and that a Southern woman in the second half of the 19th century came up with peanut brittle by accidentally putting baking soda into her taffy instead of cream of tartar. That, of course, leaves out the rest of the story. Like banjos, there’s more, by definition, to be told. Peanuts are indigenous to South America, but it seems generally agreed upon that they came here from Africa and were used to feed enslaved Africans en route to the Americas. The Portuguese had brought them to West Africa from Brazil on the return routes of slave ships. In the American South, peanuts in that era would have surely been farmed primarily by enslaved Africans—the port city of Wilmington, North Carolina (in our era, the hometown of Michael Jordan) was exporting them in the early 19th century.
Where Did Peanut Brittle Come From?
FAQ
Where did peanut brittle originate?
Is peanut brittle Irish?
What is the history of brittle food?
Who invented peanut brittle?
It is unknown exactly who invented peanut brittle. It was first found in an American cookbook, but it is believed to be based on a celtic recipe of caramelized nuts. ( source) What is peanut brittle made of? Peanut brittle is a mixture of sugars (white sugar and corn syrup) along with butter, vanilla, water, salt, peanuts and baking soda.
Is peanut brittle American in origin?
There are almost as many stories about the creation of peanut brittle as there are recipes for how to make it. While numerous cultures have been whipping up nut and syrup creations for centuries, it’s very likely that the peanut brittle we know and love is American in origin. Why So Brittle?
Why is peanut brittle so popular?
Peanut brittle’s prominence during holidays and celebrations solidified its place in American culinary traditions. The southern United States, known for its love affair with pecans, introduced another star to the brittle scene: pecan brittle. Pecans, with their rich, buttery flavor, elevated the confection to new heights.
What is peanut brittle?
In the United States, especially in the southern regions, peanut brittle emerged as a beloved variation. Peanuts, which were indigenous to the Americas, became a staple in Southern cuisine. The combination of roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar with a signature crunch, created a treat that satisfied both sweet and savory cravings.