TIFTON, Georgia-- Tourists stopping at one of the Georgia Welcome Centers throughout the month of March were able to get more than directions or places to visit in the state. The tourists were able to sample peanuts and obtain recipes through a Georgia Peanut Commission promotion celebrating National Peanut Month. March is the perfect time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! Roasted in the shell for a ballpark snack, ground into peanut butter or tossed in a salad or stir-fry, peanuts find their way into everything from breakfast to dessert.

The month-long promotion is reaching an estimated 1 million tourists entering the state from Valdosta to Ringgold and Savannah to Columbus. The promotion, “Travel Light . . . Pack Peanuts” encourages visitors to the state to travel with a fun and healthy snack. Each welcome center is distributing Georgia peanuts, recipe brochures and nutritional information about peanuts through the March promotion. The Georgia Peanut Commission is traveling to the Ringgold Welcome Center to fry peanuts for tourists on March 26, 2004. Earlier this month the Georgia Peanut Commission exhibited at the West Point Welcome Center.

National Peanut Month had its beginnings as National Peanut Week in 1941. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1974.

Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month - a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, Vitamin E, Niacin, Folate, Phosphorus and Magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.