who invented peanuts

George Washington Carver did not invent peanuts themselves, as peanuts have been cultivated and used by humans for thousandsThe invention of peanuts is a misunderstanding because peanuts are a natural legume crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in South and Central America. However, George Washington Carver, an American agricultural scientist and inventor, is famously credited with discovering over 300 uses for peanuts, turning it into a valuable crop with products such as cooking oil, cosmetics, dyes, and industrial goods. Carver greatly popularized peanuts and helped the peanut industry, but he did not invent the peanut itself nor did he invent peanut butter. Peanut butter was first developed earlier by others, with the first patent for peanut butter granted in 1884. Carver's contributions were primarily in expanding the uses of peanuts and promoting their agricultural benefits, especially in crop rotation and soil improvement in the American South. Thus, peanuts as a plant were invented by nature and cultivated by ancient peoples, but George Washington Carver is the key figure behind the modern industrial and commercial use of peanuts.