Today, We Celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!

When is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day?

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day is an annual event celebrated on April 2. Although peanut butter and jelly in one jar seems like an odd blend, it is an amazing snack. The best part about this classic blend is all the varied ways you can combine it, like using several kinds of jelly or switching between crunchy and creamy peanut butter.

Let’s learn more about National PB&J Day.

The History of PB&J

The Aztecs get credits for creating the original version of peanut butter by grinding roasted peanuts into a filling paste. Since then, peanut paste has been a fundamental component of various cuisines worldwide and used in various derivatives.

This food’s high protein and calorie content, as well as how easy its transportation is, contributed to its popularity. Unsurprisingly, peanut butter is popular worldwide because of its wonderful flavor and texture.

And there are so many different kinds of it! Smooth, natural, salted, unsalted, and even pre-mixed with jelly. Peanut butter is an incredible delicacy used to nourish people who, for various reasons, have been unable to eat “solid food.”

Peanut butter can make numerous treats/snacks, such as ants on a log (celery stuffed with peanut butter and topped with raisins) and peanut butter biscuits. However, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is the most well-known adaptation!

The first peanut butter and jelly sandwich was made during the American civil war when soldiers combined their peanut butter and jelly rations to make a tasty new snack while serving in the field. The soldiers eventually made their way home from the conflict, bringing stories of the exquisite treat that had given them solace on the battlefield.

At the war’s end, sales of peanut butter and jelly skyrocketed because of this exquisite mingling of sweet jelly and creamy peanut butter!

In this context, “jelly” refers to a particular type of clear fruit preserve made in North America by thickening sugar-sweetened fruit juice with only the fruit’s pectin to form a gel-like substance. When it does, it sometimes requires a little assistance, like with grapes, which are infamously poor in pectin.

However, the grape is second only to the delectable red strawberry in terms of popularity when combined with peanut butter!

Jelly comes in a rainbow of tastes that you can combine to change your snack every time. Only the sorts of fruit you can find restrict the possibilities—grape, strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, etc.

There are even more exotic varieties like hot chile pepper, habanero, and wasabi. Although these aren’t as well-known in the United States, some people prefer these chili kicks to the sweetness each jelly delivers!

Peanut butter and jelly are not only used in sandwiches. There is peanut butter and jelly ice cream for those who prefer a chilly version of this dessert. You can buy it in a particular brand of spread called “Goobers,” where the peanut butter and jelly are already blended.

There are cookies, cakes, and even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich called Pop-Tarts from the well-known morning tart maker Pop-Tarts. Whatever your preferences, you can find a version of this delectable blend to suit your taste buds.

How to Celebrate National PB&J Day

Observing National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day in various ways is possible. Of course, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is the most obvious way to commemorate this day. You already know what the filling should be if you bring a packed lunch to school or work today! Experimenting with various flavors of peanut butter and jelly is also enjoyable.

There are numerous varieties and textures of peanut butter available for you to select from. National peanut butter and jelly day allows you to delve deeper into this traditional pairing because you will discover many new combinations.

Even better, hosting a tasting party could make a huge deal out of it. All you need is a variety of peanut butter and jelly varieties so visitors can experiment with different flavors. This is a fun and inexpensive way to throw a party because it is distinct from the standard.

Along with making tasty drinks for everyone to enjoy, you might want to get inventive and bake some treats inspired by peanut butter and jelly. Why not try to produce your peanut butter or jelly if you truly want to wow people?

Various recipes are available online for you to try, so you’re sure to discover something that suits your palate. This is a fantastic way to get some flavor while hosting your event! Use the hashtag #PeanutButterAndJellyDay when posting on social media about this great day.

Interesting Facts About This Observance

• Before graduating from high school, an average American consumes 2,500 of these sandwiches; this is according to a 2002 survey.
• Goober, a jarred product with alternating vertical stripes of peanut butter and jelly, first appeared in public in 1998 by The J.M. Smucker Co.
• National Peanut Butter and Jelly Days takes place on February 12 and April 2.
• It’s on record that the military ration list for American soldiers during World War II included peanut butter and jelly.
• On November 13, 2010, the Great American Peanut Butter Festival in Grand Saline, Texas, produced the world’s largest PB&J sandwich. The sandwich weighed 1,342 pounds (608.72 kilograms). It had 493 pounds (223.62 kilograms) of peanut butter, 129 pounds (58.51 kilograms) of jelly, and 720 pounds (326.58 kilograms) of bread.
• Astronauts on the international space station make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while in space. However, they use tortillas instead of bread.
• Peanut butter became a special delicacy in the tea rooms of New York City In the early 1900s.
• In 1901, Julia Davis Chandler popularized peanut butter and jelly as a topping for bread.
• High school students and preschoolers both adore peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Most Americans consider it their favorite food.
• Peanut butter and jelly is a typical regular bread sandwich filling in the United States.
• The price of peanut butter allegedly fell dramatically in the late 1920s. This is because kids love peanut butter sandwiches a lot.
• Peanut butter and jelly was a staple of the American military ration for soldiers during the second world war.
• The 40-foot (12.19 meters) long peanut butter and jelly sandwich, made in Pennsylvania in 1993, won the competition for the title of largest peanut butter and jelly sandwich worldwide. It comprised 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of peanut butter and 50 pounds (22.67 kilograms) of jelly.

Reasons Why We Love This Day!

Is today national peanut butter and jelly day? Yes, it is, and this is what most people love to hear. With National PB&J Day, we love that we can eat this tasty treat whenever we choose. On this day, you are free to eat as many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as you want without anyone objecting!

Also, you can find out more about this invention and some other creative recipes that use peanut butter and jelly on National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. The best way to celebrate and value delicious cuisines is to enjoy classic peanut butter and jelly combinations that bring back many childhood memories.

Reasons Why We Love Peanut Butter and Jelly

It is a Whole Protein

Peanut butter and jelly is a whole protein that combines a legume (such as a bean, lentil, or peanut) with a grain (such as rice, corn, or wheat). Eating peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread will give your body all the essential amino acids required.

It is Elegantly Simple

Because of the simplicity of peanut butter, it fosters creativity. What is your preferred ratio of peanut butter to jelly, for instance? What fruit flavor, and how chunky is the peanut butter? Which variety of bread? Or how about a bagel with peanut butter and jelly? Of course, you can always include more components to create your favorite sandwich.

It’s Fantastic for Traveling.

Many families have used this amazing snack to get through long car rides, hiking excursions, and school field trips. You can prepare various treats for your family and friends from peanut butter and jelly.

Traditions of Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

The day’s custom is to munch on what is arguably the best culinary combination ever; peanut butter and jelly. Most people usually eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but making one or two today is imperative. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are everyone’s favorite snacks, either made for home time or packed for lunch.

Moreover, it’s a fantastic chance to experiment with different peanut butter and jelly pairings and share your favorite ones online. The peanut butter and jelly meme also reappears on National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.

Crunching the Numbers

• The first time peanut butter and jelly got mentioned in print was in 1901.
• The typical American will consume 1,500 PB&J sandwiches before reaching 18 years.
• The amount of daily recommended fat in a PB&J sandwich is 27%.
• A PB&J sandwich has 22% of the daily recommended caloric intake.
• 90% of the time, a PB&J is more cost-effective than an almond butter sandwich.
• At least one jar of peanut butter is present in 94% of American households.
• The average person consumes 3,000 PB&J sandwiches throughout their life.
• The proportion of persons who favor crunchy peanut butter is 29%.

Our Favorite PB&J Cookie Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Time: 32 minutes

Serving: 15 cookies 

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Nutritional Facts/Info per serving/in total:

Calories: 322

Sugar: 0.6 ounces (17.1 grams)

Sodium: 213.3 milligrams (0.21 grams)

Fat: 0.70 ounces (20 grams)

Carbohydrates: 1.08 ounces (30.7 grams)

Protein: 0.26 ounces (7.4 grams)

Cholesterol: 29.9 milligrams (0.029 grams)

Equipment Needed

1. Parchment paper
2. Stand mixer
3. Paddle attachment
4. Cookie scoop
5. Measuring cup
6. Mixing bowl/dish

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 ½  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup strawberry preserves or jelly
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½  cup peanut butter chips

Directions

1. Set the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176.6° Celsius). Put parchment paper on a baking pan and set it aside.
2. Set aside 1 cup of peanut butter for the cookie dough.
3. Put wax or parchment paper on a dish to line it. Scoop out ¾ teaspoon of the remaining ¼  cup of peanut butter and put it on the platter. You will require 15 small “dollops” of peanut butter. They do not have to be precise. Let the dish rest in the freezer while making the cookie dough.
4. Mix the butter and 1 cup of peanut butter thoroughly in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add both types of sugar and stir properly on medium speed for 2 minutes.
5. Mix the ingredients for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl’s sides as required, until well-combined. Add the egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.
6. Then, add the flour and mix on low speed until barely combined. Add the peanut butter chips and stir.
7. Using a big cookie scoop, you should divide the dough into 3½  tablespoons. Remove the plate with the dollops of peanut butter. Create a big well in the cookie batter.
8. Place ¾  teaspoon of the strawberry preserves in the cookie dough by scooping some out. Add one of the frozen peanut butter dollops on top of this. Making sure to completely enclose the peanut butter and jelly, carefully roll the dough into a ball. Use the leftover dough, peanut butter, and jelly to complete the process.
9. Refreeze the peanut butter scoops if you’re working in batches to keep them rigid.
10. Set the dough pieces 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until the tops begin to crack and the edges are gently brown.
11. As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, you can add more peanut butter chips as a garnish.
12. After the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for five minutes, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Questions Answered

Which is Better, Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter?

There is no better choice; it all depends on personal preference. Using the peanut butter of your choice while preparing your favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich is essential. However, a recent National Day Calendar poll revealed that respondents’ top choice was creamy peanut butter.

Does The Type of Jelly I Use Matter?

No. Even though many individuals enjoy peach, strawberry, or grape jelly. Even peanut butter and apple butter go well together. However, a 2022 National Day Calendar survey finds that about 43% of respondents love strawberry flavor more than grape.

Summary

The National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, sometimes called National PB&J Day, happens on April 2 each year. Despite being grownups, we still crave this traditional American childhood treat. Nothing pairs with peanut butter better than jelly or jam, whether you prefer blackberry, grape, strawberry, or any other variety. It’s an unlikely but delicious combination.

Sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly evoke distinct memories. They not only bring back childhood memories, but they are also very useful and convenient. In need of a fast snack? Late for work in the morning? Nothing in the refrigerator? Don’t worry; your old friends, peanut butter and jelly, got your back.

Happy National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!!