The Claim
George Washington Carver is often credited with discovering over 300 uses for peanuts. This number appears in textbooks, documentaries, and websites about his life. But how accurate is it, and what does it really mean?
The Verdict
The 300+ number is accurate, but requires context. Carver did document over 300 products that could be made from peanuts. However:
- Many were variations of similar products (e.g., multiple dye colors counted separately)
- Some were laboratory demonstrations, not commercial products
- Few achieved significant commercial success
- The number grew over time as he continued research
What He Actually Discovered
Carver's peanut products fell into several categories:
- Foods: Peanut milk, flour, cheese, coffee substitute, cooking oil
- Dyes and stains: Over 100 different colors from peanut shells and skins
- Cosmetics: Face creams, shampoos, soaps
- Industrial products: Plastics, insulation, axle grease, printer's ink
- Medicines: Ointments, liniments, laxatives
The Numbers in Context
The high numbers come from Carver's comprehensive approach - he would count each variation as a separate product. For example, if he created red, blue, and green dyes from peanuts, that counted as three products.
Modern historians note that by this counting method, his numbers are accurate. But by modern standards of "unique inventions," the number would be smaller, though still impressive.
His Real Achievement
The precise number matters less than what Carver demonstrated: peanuts were a versatile, valuable crop that could provide Southern farmers with alternatives to cotton. His work helped convince farmers to diversify and helped create markets for peanut products.
Whether 100 or 300 products, his point was proven - peanuts had tremendous untapped potential.