The Hidden Legacy of American Groundnuts; The LSU Groundnut Project with Dr. Bill Blackmon

The Poor Prole’s Almanac

Bleav + The Poor Prole’s Alamanac

Home & Garden, Science, Nature, Leisure, Education, How To

5 • 761 Ratings

🗓️ 29 August 2022

⏱️ 27 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Have you ever considered that a forgotten plant could hold the key to sustainable agriculture and enhanced nutrition? Today, we take you on a journey through time to rediscover the American groundnut, a plant that was a lifeline for indigenous communities and even supported the Pilgrims in 1620. We honor Dr. Bill Blackman, whose pioneering work at Louisiana State University in the 1980s aimed to revive and improve this incredible plant. Despite the program's abrupt end, Dr. Blackman's continued dedication into his 90s keeps the dream alive for the groundnut's resurgence. What are the barriers and breakthroughs in transforming a historical staple into a modern agricultural marvel? We'll explore the trials and triumphs of cultivating American groundnuts on a large scale, from breeding challenges and mechanical farming difficulties to the promising yields and rich nutritional benefits. The episode delves into innovative efforts to develop herbicide systems and non-viney varieties, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to fully harness the plant's potential. Reflecting on the historical use of groundnuts, we consider its role in future farming practices and its remarkable anticancer properties. Join us as we question long-held scientific beliefs and celebrate the enduring curiosity that drives agricultural innovation. From comparisons to the introduction of potatoes in Ireland to personal experiences in cultivating LSU groundnuts, this episode is a testament to the passion and perseverance of those dedicated to this unique crop. We share heartfelt stories of growing interest and community involvement, culminating in a hopeful vision for the future of American groundnuts. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of an ancient plant with the potential to revolutionize modern agriculture. For sources and a transcript of this episode, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/the-hidden-legacy-of-american-groundnuts To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Keywords: American Groundnut, Rediscovery, Historical Significance, Indigenous Communities, Pilgrims, Nitrogen-Fixing, Perennial Plant, Cultural Importance, Agricultural Significance, Dr. Bill Blackman, Louisiana State University, Breeding Program, Tubers, Market Viability, Challenges, Mechanical Farming, Promising Yields, Nutritional Benefits, Herbicide Systems, Non-viney Varieties, Research, Anticancer Compounds, Resurgence, Passion, Cultivation, Distribution, Momentum, Resurgence, Legacy, Future Potential, Curiosity, Passion, Groundnut Growers, Gardening, Newcomers, Comprehensive Look, Envision, Possibilities, Journey, Viney, High-Nutritional Value, Sensitivity, Climates, Product Development, Regional Adaptability, Scientific Beliefs, Agriculture, Perennial Crops, Indigenous Peoples, Potatoes, Ireland, Disease-Resistant Varieties, Scientific Theories, Experimentation, Inquiry, Curiosity, Interest, Varieties, LSU Strains, Satisfaction, Enthusiasm, Unique Plants

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	When the first pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620,
0:18.0	they found the indigenous people consuming the small tubers of a
0:22.1	viny plant with beautiful red flowers.
0:25.2	This plant, which took over the various openings in the forests due to the native
0:29.5	stewardship practices, goes by many names.
0:33.1	But one that has survived into the modern era is Hopness.
0:36.9	The common name you might be familiar with
0:38.8	is the American Groundnut. Because of its widespread abundance, again, because of the indigenous
0:45.5	people of modern-day southeastern Massachusetts, Groundnut is arguably the only reason
0:51.3	European immigrants survive those first winters. Despite this being a foundational
0:56.7	part of the landscape's history, there are no monuments to its significance. It's not the focal
1:02.9	point of a national holiday, and it remains virtually unknown to most Americans. The American
1:09.4	ground nut represents a common thread in indigenous crops in North America
1:13.7	and represents a pivotal point in the evolution of the diets of indigenous people.
1:19.7	Like many crops, it had been selectively cultivated from warmer southern climates,
1:24.5	and we can tell by the fact that cannot naturally breed in northern
1:28.5	climates, such as, say, Massachusetts, where they were harvested by the pilgrims. We now know
1:35.3	that there are varieties of persimmons bred for cooler climates, and warm weather crops like corn
1:41.3	had only recently reached northern parts of the modern United States
1:45.4	at this time. History imagines these stories to be static, but the arrival of the pilgrims
1:51.8	acted like a cleaver against the unfolding thread of time. Let's fast forward. Today we
1:58.4	understand that groundnuts are not only flavorful nitrogen fixing and perennial.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Bleav + The Poor Prole’s Alamanac, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Bleav + The Poor Prole’s Alamanac and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.