Hancock Peanuts Archives | Hancock Peanut Company

Power Up Your Summer with the Mighty Peanut: A Snacking Superstar

Summer is here, and with it comes the desire for light, refreshing, and convenient snacks. While chips, cookies, and ice cream may be tempting, they often lack the nutritional value we need to stay energized throughout the warm weather months. Luckily, there’s a healthy and delicious hero waiting in the wings: the humble peanut.

Peanuts, despite their name, are not actually nuts; they’re legumes, part of the pea family. This classification gives them a unique nutritional profile, making them a powerhouse of health benefits. But don’t let their small size fool you – peanuts pack a mighty punch when it comes to good-for-you nutrients.

A Nutritional Powerhouse:

Protein Power: Just one ounce of peanuts boasts a whopping 8 grams of protein. This makes them an ideal snack for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a sustained energy boost. Protein helps keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing cravings and unhealthy snacking habits.
Healthy Fats: Peanuts are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the “good fats” that your body needs. These fats contribute to heart health, lower bad cholesterol, and promote feelings of satiety.
Fiber Fantastic: A single serving of peanuts provides around 3 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for gut health, digestion, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Vitamin & Mineral Rich: Peanuts are a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese. These micronutrients play a vital role in various bodily functions, from maintaining healthy skin and hair to supporting energy production and bone health.

The Perfect Summer Snack:

Peanuts are a summer snacking superstar for several reasons:

Portability: Peanuts are lightweight, easy to pack, and require no refrigeration. Throw a handful in your bag, purse, or lunchbox for a healthy and convenient snack on the go.
Versatility: Enjoy peanuts on their own, or get creative! Add them to trail mix, homemade granola bars, yogurt parfaits, or even a refreshing summer salad. They also pair beautifully with chopped fruits like apples or berries.
Shelf Life: Unlike many fresh fruits and vegetables, peanuts have a long shelf life. Store them in a cool, dry place in their shells for up to a year, or in a sealed container for several months after shelling. This makes them a perfect pantry staple for healthy snacking any time.
Budget-Friendly: Peanuts are a very affordable source of protein and healthy fats. This makes them an accessible and budget-conscious snack option for everyone.

Beyond Snacking: Culinary Versatility of Peanuts:

Peanuts aren’t just limited to snacking! They can be a delicious and nutritious addition to various summer dishes:

Peanut sauces: Whip up a flavorful peanut sauce for dipping vegetables, spring rolls, or even grilled chicken or tofu.
Peanut butter alternatives: For those with nut allergies, peanuts can be a fantastic substitute. Make your own peanut butter at home for complete control over ingredients and sweetness levels.
Peanut-crusted dishes: Add a crunchy and protein-rich twist to chicken, fish, or vegetables by coating them in a mixture of crushed peanuts and spices before baking or pan-frying.
Salad toppings: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over your favorite summer salads for an extra protein and textural boost.

Peanuts: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choice:

Peanuts are a leguminous crop, which means they have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. These bacteria help replenish nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, peanuts require less water than many other crops, making them a more sustainable choice for a water-conscious world.

Peanuts: A Snacking Hero for Everyone:

With their impressive nutritional profile, portability, versatility, and affordability, peanuts are a true summer snacking hero. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying way to beat the summer heat, reach for a handful of peanuts. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Shop Hancock Peanut Company, today!

Power Up Your Summer with the Mighty Peanut: A Snacking Superstar Read More »

Hoppy Easter from Hancock Peanuts!

Spring has sprung, and Easter baskets are overflowing with joy (and hopefully, some delicious Hancock Peanuts)!

Peanuts and Easter have become a classic combination, and here at Hancock Peanuts, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the fun and traditions that come with the holiday.

Peanuts: A Symbol of Renewal and Growth

Peanuts, with their humble beginnings underground, pushing through soil to sprout and reach for the sun, represent the very essence of Easter – renewal and growth. Just like the Easter egg symbolizes new life, the peanut embodies potential and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Peanuts: A Timeless Easter Treat

For generations, peanuts have been a staple in Easter baskets. They’re a healthier alternative to candy, offering a satisfying crunch and a delicious source of protein. Whether enjoyed on their own, chock full of chocolate, or cleverly disguised as colorful Easter eggs, peanuts add a delightful touch to the Easter festivities.

Hopping into Easter Fun

Here at Hancock Peanuts, we love seeing how you incorporate our peanuts into your Easter celebrations. Do you have any favorite traditions or recipes? Share them in the comments below!

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Classic Peanut Butter Eggs: A timeless treat made with creamy peanut butter and a touch of chocolate.
Chocolate-Dipped Peanuts: A simple yet satisfying option that dresses up ordinary peanuts for the occasion.
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: A delightful Easter dessert that incorporates the taste of peanuts in a delicious baked good.
Trail Mix with a Twist: Add some festive flair to your trail mix with colorful candies, chocolate eggs, and of course, Hancock Peanuts!

We wish you a joyous Easter filled with fun, family, and of course, plenty of delicious peanuts!

Happy Easter from all of us at Hancock Peanuts!

Shop Hancock Peanut Company, today!

Hoppy Easter from Hancock Peanuts! Read More »

Alumnus launches peanut passion project

“A flash of Pirate-inspired flare adorns every can of Hancock Peanut Company. peanuts. The purple stripes on the logo of the golden legumes highlight the talents and family history of East Carolina University alumnus Scott Hancock Duke ’06 ’08.

Duke launched Hancock Peanut Co. in July and began a new retail chapter in his family’s peanut business history. Peanuts were not in his career plans when Duke was completing degrees in media production and health communications in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Still, the family business and history were always on his mind.

Duke lives in Greenville and runs a digital marketing business where he manages his clients’ website design and social media marketing needs. The work fuels his new passion project.

Most people would be unaware that nearly everyone has a passing knowledge of Hancock Peanut Company. Duke’s great-grandfather, Robert Hancock Jr., created the original peanut man model – that became known as Mr. Peanut.

Duke said his great-grandfather was asked by the owner of Planter’s to carve the model from a sketch. Large wrought iron statues of Mr. Peanut topped the pillars around the factory in Suffolk, Virginia.

Hancock also contributed to the industry with his hand-built peanut sheller and started Hancock Peanut Company in Courtland, Virginia. They were buyers, sellers and shellers of high-grade Virginia peanuts. His shellers are in museums in Virginia.

“He didn’t seek patents. He was an industrialist trying to figure out how to make something work and more interested in the next steps than thinking about down the road,” Duke said. “Today’s peanut shellers are a modernized version of the original.”

In the 1960s, Duke’s grandfather ran the company. He sold the company to his partners in the early 80s and retired.

Duke has long wondered what would have happened if the company had stayed in the family. His mother and her siblings may have had the opportunity to run the business if times had been different.Duke began researching the company name and history and found the name available. He trademarked the company name and kick-started the company’s new retail brand.

He said they were ecstatic when he approached the processors in Virginia to let them know he was starting a retail peanut business under the family banner. The processors work in the middle of the industry. They package the retail products that Duke sells.

Antique peanut jars and company memorabilia accent Duke’s home office. They inspired his designs for the company’s new logo. He’s building the business from the ground up. He processes orders, sells swag and writes a peanut news blog surrounded by the inspiration of the Hancock brand.

Duke says the jumbo peanuts selected for sale are from the top 1% of the crop. They are grown in Virginia and the Carolinas.

His current business is all about the No. 1 seller, the salted cocktail peanuts. He’s worked with local vendors to create peanut-themed shirts, ballcaps and a Hancock Peanut Co. tumbler. Chocolate covered peanuts launched in early winter and quickly became a top seller. A honey roasted version is now available.

“People like peanuts. They are really fantastic,” Duke said. “Anyone who tries them comes back to order more.”

Duke loves his product and eats peanuts every day. He’s hopeful others will love them as much as he does. He regularly offers discounts to encourage customers to give them a try. Shoppers who enter the code PIRATECU will receive a discounted rate when they purchase peanuts.

More marketing efforts are on the way. ECU public relations student Kelsey Keene is working as a social media intern for Hancock Peanuts. Keene will focus on expanding the brand’s digital exposure.

Duke plans to grow his footprint in Greenville and throughout Pirate Nation gradually. The next steps include finding an investor or partner and a distribution effort to get Hancock peanuts on shelves in North Carolina retailers. Duke has gained ECU trademark licensing, and limited edition ‘Proud Pirate Peanuts’ are in the works with the ECU Alumni Association and expected to launch in mid-April.

To learn more about the company and peanut history, visit Hancock Peanut Co.”

Written By: PATRICIA EARNHARDT TYNDALL | Original Publishing: ECU NEWS SERVICES

Shop Hancock Peanut Company, today!

Alumnus launches peanut passion project Read More »