A Nutty Beginning: The Origins of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter might seem like a staple of the modern pantry, but it has a history that stretches several centuries. Well before peanut butter ever donned its creamy spread persona on grocery store shelves, ancient South American cultures-the Inca civilization and the Aztec civilization among them-were grinding roasted peanuts into a soft paste, occasionally with cocoa mixed in. These early forms of peanut spreads were the ancestors of what we now call peanut butter.

The first modern patent on peanut paste was much later in 1884, with Canadian chemist Marcellus Gilmore Edson describing the milling of roasted peanuts into a smooth, spreadable consistency. His version sometimes included sugar to firm up the texture. A decade later, in 1895, American doctor John Harvey Kellogg made his nut butter from boiled nuts. Kellogg developed it as a high-protein, easy-to-consume food for patients in his sanitarium, particularly those who had problems chewing.

Many people believe that George Washington Carver invented peanut butter, but in reality, his contribution was in researching hundreds of uses for peanuts and promoting its cultivation. For by this time, peanut butter itself already existed.

The popularity of peanut butter as a commercial product took hold when a businessman named George A. Bayle Jr. marketed the nutty spread as a snack in the 1890s. However, after gaining fame at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where visitors were fascinated by this new nutty spread, it reached its big break in the 1920s, when the chemist Joseph L. Rosefield developed a process to prevent separation in peanut butter. This allowed it to become creamy, stable on the shelf, and perfect for mass production. Soon, brands like Peter Pan, Skippy, and later Jif would make peanut butter a household staple.

With its ease, nutrition, affordability, and versatility, the world by mid-twentieth century had learned to love peanut butter. Whether spread on bread, folded into desserts, or used in savory dishes, peanut butter earned its global reputation as a comfort food.

Why Peanut Butter Became So Popular

Despite its ancient roots, peanut butter only really caught on when manufacturers worked out how to stabilize it. When people realized they could store it for months without the oil separating, it became a take-anywhere food. The high protein content made it popular with vegetarians, children, and athletes alike. It’s inexpensive, extremely filling, and adaptable. You can use it in sandwiches, smoothies, curries, baked goods, and sauces. And, of course, the most important thing: it tastes amazing.

India’s Own Nutty Legacy: Groundnut-Based Chutneys and Spreads

In most Western countries, butter or nut butters are everyday staples, their diets being heavy on bread. Spreads naturally become a part of their meals. In India, however, our cuisine is centered around chapatis, rice, bhakris, dosas and an enormous variety of condiments. Instead of butter, we reach for ghee, fresh chutneys, spiced pickles, podis, gravies and dry powders.

Even though peanut butter has become popular here in recent years, India has always had its own delicious tradition of groundnut-based chutneys and spreads.

Shengdana Chi Chutney, Maharashtra

This is a dry version of peanut chutney, made by roasting groundnuts and then blending them with garlic, red chilli, and salt. The texture remains coarse, almost like powder, which makes it perfect for bhakri, rotis, or even as a flavorful sprinkle on meals.

Wet Groundnut Chutney with Dosa, South India

Freshly prepared groundnut chutneys are a breakfast must-have across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These creamy chutneys are blended together with peanuts, chillies, spices, and sometimes coconut. They go beautifully with dosas, idlis, and vadas.

But the peanut story in India does not end here. Many states have their own local groundnut-based accompaniments. Here are some more regional treasures:

More Regional Indian Groundnut Spreads Worth Celebrating

Palli Pachadi from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

This classic chutney made from roasted peanuts combined with garlic, red chillies, tamarind and salt has a creamy texture and bold, slightly tangy flavour. People enjoy it with dosa, idli, pesarattu and upma.

Dry Chutney of Peanut and Garlic from Maharashtra

This version is made by grinding the peanuts with fried garlic and red chilli powder. Slightly oily, it is intensely aromatic and infuses bhakri or rotis with heat and crunch.

Peanut and Mint Fresh Chutney

A more modern favorite savored all over India, this combination of roasted ground nuts, mint leaves, coriander, green chilies, and lemon forms a refreshing dip for pakoras, parathas, and snacks.

Dry Peanut Podi for Chapatis and Rice

This is a powdered chutney made by mixing roasted peanuts with chilli, cumin, and salt. Many people use it as a quick flavour enhancer for chapatis or hot rice with ghee. Some even prepare it during fasting days when they need high energy accompaniments.

Mirchi ka Salan, Telangana and Hyderabad

The star of the dish, though technically a gravy, is a paste made with peanuts, dry coconut, tamarind and spices. Rich and nutty, this curry accompanies Hyderabadi biryani and festive meals.

Peanut and Yogurt Chutney

A lighter, cooling variant made by blending roasted peanuts with curd, garlic, chillies and a little lemon. Goes great with rice or dosa when you want something tangy and smooth.

Put together, these regional variants reveal how entrenched the peanut is in everyday foods across India. While peanut butter abroad can be sweet or neutral and is predominantly used as a versatile spread, India’s groundnut condiments are savoury, spicy, tangy, full of flavour.

Fun Peanut Butter and Peanut-Based Recipes to Try at Home

Peanut Butter Dosa Dip

Mix peanut butter with warm water or coconut milk. Add salt, jaggery, green chilli and lime. Use as a creamy dosa dip.

Peanut Butter Sandwich with an Indian Twist

Spread peanut butter on whole wheat bread, add sliced mango or banana, and sprinkle chaat masala. Toast for a warm, fusion snack.

Spicy Peanut Spread for Rotis

Blend together peanut butter with coriander, onion, garlic, chillies and salt. Spread on rotis or use as a dip for snack items.

Peanut Butter Paratha Stuffing

Mix peanut butter with chopped coriander, onion, green chilli, and optional cheese. Stuff it into dough and make flavourful parathas.

Sweet Peanut Butter Ladoo

Mix peanut butter with powdered jaggery and a little amount of roasted semolina or crushed gram. Make small ladoos to serve instantly.

Andhra Style Palli Pachadi

Roast the peanuts and then blend them with garlic, red chilies, tamarind, and salt. Season with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Why Peanut Butter Lover Month Matters

 It’s not just a quirky food holiday, but also a celebration of a food that travelled from ancient civilisations, coming to global shelves and finally to Indian kitchens. It gives us a chance to explore the nutty goodness that we already enjoy in so many forms, from chutneys to curries. 

For us  Indians, this is also a reminder that, as delicious as peanut butter may be, our own groundnut chutneys have been adding richness, heat and comfort to our meals for generations. By marrying these traditions and playing with new recipes, we create flavours that are both familiar and exciting. So grab a spoon, a slice of bread, a bhakri or a dosa. Today is the perfect day to celebrate the humble peanut in all its creamy, crunchy, spicy and savory glory.

When we consider motherhood, we usually picture happy times—tiny hands around ours, first wails, first smiles, a swell of unqualified love. We imagine societal depictions of beaming mothers holding their new babies in shining pride. But what’s often hidden in this story is the reality we seldom discuss: for far too many women, the postpartum experience is not one of joy, but of all-encompassing sorrow, fatigue, and desperation.

This is postpartum depression (PPD)—a diagnosis that occurs in almost 1 in 7 new mothers, but one that’s still shrouded in silence and stigma. But outside the medical term is a multifaceted, lived experience that should be witnessed and understood.

The Silent Struggles Behind Closed Doors

For most mothers, PPD is not like an unexpected storm—it’s a stealthy invasion. A woman can feel she can’t relate to her baby, and she wonders why she doesn’t get the “bonding magic” everyone else seems to get. She can cry in private, concealing her feelings so family and friends won’t assume she’s a failure at motherhood.

Some mothers describe feeling like they’re “going through the motions,” feeding and changing their babies but feeling numb inside. Others experience intense anxiety—worrying obsessively about the baby’s health, or imagining worst-case scenarios. Simple tasks like showering, cooking, or even answering the phone can feel impossible.

Yet outwardly, she might still be smiling. Posting baby pictures. Accepting congratulations. Telling everyone, “I’m fine.”

Why Silence Hurts So Much

The quiet around postpartum depression stems often from motherhood expectations. This period is idealized as the “happiest time of life.” When the reality for a woman falls short, shame settles in. Questions such as “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be happy?” become nagging demons.

Family and friends, while well-meaning, may say things like “you’ll get over it” or “just focus on the baby.” Instead of comfort, these words deepen the isolation. Many women fear judgment or worry that admitting their struggles will make them seem unfit as mothers.

This silence has the potential to be harmful. Unchecked, postpartum depression can escalate, affecting not just the mother’s own well-being but her capacity to care for and connect with her baby.

Beyond the Diagnosis

Postpartum depression is not only about biology or hormones—it’s about the entire individual. Beyond the diagnosis, there are innumerable factors that impact a mother’s experience:

• Sleep deprivation: Weeks or months without rest exacerbate emotional challenges.

• Body changes: Recovery from birth amid body-image issues.

• Identity changes: Adapting to motherhood alongside mourning the loss of old habits and freedoms.

• Relationship tensions: Coordinating new relationships with partners or extended families.

• Cultural demands: For many women, cultural or family expectations put tremendous pressure on being a “perfect” mother.

Recognizing these layers is crucial. When we glimpse only the diagnosis, we overlook the humanness behind it.

How We Can Help

The silver lining is that postpartum depression can be treated. Treatment is not the whole solution, though. What women most require is compassion, empathy, and validation. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Listen Without Judgment

Ask her how she’s truly doing. Allow her to speak freely without jumping in to “solve” her emotions. Occasionally, hearing herself can be the initial step toward recovery.

2. Acknowledge Her Experience

Instead of saying, “You’ll be fine,” say, “It sounds really hard right now. You’re not alone in this.” Validation breaks the cycle of shame.

3. Offer Practical Support

Help with meals, laundry, or babysitting. Small gestures ease her load and give her breathing space.

4. Encourage Professional Help

Gently suggest therapy or medical support when needed. Frame it as strength, not weakness. Seeking help shows courage.

5. Challenge the Stigma

Speak freely about postpartum mental health. Make the talk normal so women won’t think they have to suffer in silence.

The Role of Community and Policy

Aside from personal care, society has to step up. Maternity leave policies, access to cheap mental healthcare, and family-friendly workplace design are key factors in the way women navigate postpartum life. When mothers are supported by wider families, such as in some cultures, rates of severe postpartum depression tend to be lower. Community care is important.

We must make a culture shift—one that sees that supporting mothers is not a choice, but a necessity. Because when mothers are healthy, families and communities are healthy.

A Call for Compassion

Postpartum depression is not a character flaw, or a failure at mothering. It’s a very real, very human experience—one that should be met with compassion, treatment, and understanding.

Outside of the diagnosis is a woman who is striving. A woman who is struggling quietly, unseen by others. A woman who requires more than medicine labels—she requires caring, community, and compassion.

If you know a new mom, visit her—not only the baby. Ask her how she is sleeping, eating, feeling. Remind her she is not alone. And if you are a mother struggling through this yourself—know that your emotions are real, your value is the same, and healing is attainable.

Motherhood does not have to be suffered in silence. Beyond the diagnosis of postpartum depression, there is hope. There is healing. And above all, there is you—you are not alone.

They say it’s the calmest people who carry the most chaotic mind. Sometimes it’s the ordinary things that cause the messiest mental chaos. Once you’re in it, it’s really hard to get out. So, imagine feeling stuck in a mental state at a time when people were not even ready to acknowledge it as a problem. Horrifyingly lonely isn’t it? Now imagine you’re always being surrounded by people but in your head, it’s just you, all alone. Just you and your thoughts. How long can you go without screaming for help and ultimately drowning from ignorance? Qala makes you question just that.

Qala: A Tale of Yearning and Envy

Written and directed by Anvita Dutt, Qala is a tale of a cuckoo bird who tries her hardest to live among us humans but fails. Qala is a tale of a mother who could never truly appreciate the bundle of talent that her daughter was, and a daughter who was ready to do everything she can to get the mother’s appreciation. 

Qala which means talent is the name of our protagonist. Throughout her entire life, she tries her hardest to woo her toughest audience who should have been her staunch supporter, her mother. It’s ironic how her name was Qala, and yet it was her Qala that people used to look down upon.

Just like a cuckoo bird who tries her hardest to make a life in the wild forest by stealing or using deceit, similarly, Qala tries her best to survive in the purposefully crafted forest-like hostile life that she and her mother share. Unable to bear the loss of losing her son at the hands of her daughter, Qala’s mother was unable to accept her daughter for who she truly was and instead started a domino effect that carried forth till the very end. 

Qala: Through a Microscope

Initially, starting with optimism, but as time passed, the optimism faded and we are left with a harsh reality to face. A reality filled with envy and yearning that takes a very dark ugly turn. A reality that makes us question ourselves as a society as to how ignorant we truly are towards issues concerning mental health. How quick we are to dismiss it as a common cold when it’s deadlier than cancer. 

Talent is something that everyone possesses. Though it may be in different fields or in similar ones, talent in something or the other is ever-present in humans. But how objective can one be while judging such talents, especially ones that are abstract in nature? The vocal battle between Jagan and Qala brings forth this point to the forefront.   

The scenic background act like a mood ring that reflects the various moods that each scene carries. From feeling distraught and unstable as highlighted by the dark and isolated childhood home of Qala located on a snowy hill of picturesque Himachal Pradesh to finding some stability yet being consumed with envy as depicted by the green-coloured wall of Qala’a new home to the presence of the gargoyles to foreshadow the ominous turn that Qala and Sumant Kumar’s meeting was about to take, the setting plays a very important role in conveying the mood of each scene.   

Afterword

With stunning camerawork that captures the innocent yearning of a mother’s love to the violent jealousy that doesn’t stop until it had burned everything to the ground to the mental turmoil that leads to the end of everything—Qala acts as a true artistic masterpiece. The character of Qala is an anti-hero, a grey character who at one moment makes your heart wrench with sorrow at her plight and in the next moment makes your mind rage at her actions. It’s a movie that evokes all emotions and made you numb at the same time.

Directed by Himank Gaur and starring Bhuvan Bam, “Taaza Khabar” has made waves since its release. Released on 6th January 2023 on Hotstar, this crime-thriller has proved Bhuvan Bam’s talent as a truly dynamic actor. This web series is not for the faint of hearts as it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the end.

What’s Taaza in “Taaza Khabar”?

Complete with a cast of renowned actors such as Shilpa Shukla, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Deven Bhojani, etc. this movie tells the age-old tale of how with great powers comes great responsibility and if not handled well will lead to total chaos. Taking into account the digital era wherein news reaches consumers faster than the speed of light, the web series uses the biggest asset of the digital age, i.e., speed to convey the moral.   

In this world where everyone is so invested in knowing about the future, “Taaza Khabar” highlights how knowing everything beforehand is detrimental to one’s growth and steals the joy of living. 

The web series circles around the message about how magic requires deception while miracle requires belief. And though one would think it will act as a cautionary tape for the characters the irony is revealed as the show progresses. 

The web series also brings to light the many derogatory societal standards that the society upholds which will make one sympathise more with the anti-hero, Bhuvan Bam. From being discriminated against for working at a public lavatory coming from a low financial background to being discriminated against for not dressing up like a rich person even though his financial background has improved tremendously. They bring to light how society’s knack for judging others for the way they are dressed still prevails.

Things That Stood Out

The character change in Bhuvan Bam’s character as the story progresses from caring and loving to being business savvy and only looking out for his interests keeps the audience guessing till the very last minute. Bam’s acting is so realistic that it makes it hard to believe that his character won’t be returning back to its caring side although his actions on screen make it very evident that he won’t. 

Given Bhuvan Bam’s background in comedy it would be a sin to assume that the web series will lack any comic relief. Fans of BB Ki Vines would be happy to note that “Taaza Khabar” has a good balance of both comedy and seriousness for the most part of the show. The dynamic between the mother-son relationship is the one to watch out for, it’s a truly heartwarming tale. 

In today’s rat race focused on earning a lot, “Taaza Khabar” highlights the ups and downs of being left behind as well as those of being first in the game. The characters’ portrayal of reality is a breath of fresh air. The web series aptly highlights real people’s reactions to stumbling upon good fortune. The dilemma that people actually face over sticking to their principle or choosing a better life cannot be better captured than by Deven Bhojani’s character.  

What’s the Verdict?

Popularly known all over the world for his hilarious content on his Youtube Channel BB Ki Vines it is a refreshing take on the usual funny role that he plays. This web series has helped in establishing himself as an actor who is ready to take on serious roles. Filled with a cast of veteran actors there was a lot of anticipation as to how Bhuvan Bam will leave his mark, will he be outshined? Or will he outshine? Turns out the latter was correct.

Releasing it on Disney+ Hotstar which is home to many other widely popular Indian shows making it a staple for Indian households the choice of the OTT platform couldn’t have been a better one.  

Superbly directed by director Himank Gaur the thought put into each scene makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling, from disgust to concern, no stones are left unturned. This series matches the rhythm of Gen Z by focusing on the lighting fast life that they are after. It’s a must-watch for anyone who is looking for a tale that gives you a lesson while showcasing the consequence of what happens if you fail to follow it. 

In 2015, TVF’s 5 episodes web series, ‘Pitchers’ paved a new direction towards dramas based on realism and honest tussles of daily life, especially if you’re someone taking the courage to establish your own start-up. Four friends, Naveen (Naveen Kathuria), Mandal (Abhay Manjan), Yogi, (Arunabh Kumar) and Jeetu (Jeetendra Kumar) give up their 9-to-5 jobs, to fulfill their college dream of kicking-off an app based start-up. Upon it release, season one proved to hook the viewers.

The technicalities behind a start up, constant fear of failure, new dead ends, personal relationships of the four characters, and the humour filled dialogues and bickering made ‘Pitchers’ a binge worthy series. Of course, it was unlike other regular drama releases, for it stepped into a territory of a very realistic portrayal of young entrepreneurs and the daunting path they’ve to take.

The much awaited, ‘Pitchers’ season 2 was released on December, 23rd 2022. The series continued from where it left off. Did Anurabh Kumar, an entrepreneur himself, the creator and the director of the series, manage to create the same magic in the second season? Here’s what we think.

‘Pitchers’ Season 2: A Glimpse of the Anxious Road of Nascent Startups And Entrepreneurship

The second season of the web-series introduces us to Naveen’s start-up, ‘Pragati’. They’re in the midst of introducing their very anticipated next series of the product, which could only happen with a partnership with another company, KC enterprises, who’s working offline in the same sector. Not spoiling much for those who haven’t watched it yet, but the entire season, like the previous one, is presenting Naveen with dead ends after dead ends. The problem solving venture indeed continues!

What becomes interesting in this season is the grim atmosphere that it is drenched in. Building a start-up isn’t a piece of cake. ‘Pitchers’ season two brutally captures the debt trap, the vicious competitors, employee management, working conditions, team commitments, chasing VCs and making risk-worthy decisions.

The hour long episodes, unlike the previous season, become a little tedious, and the first two episodes couldn’t really deliver the urge for you to stick to the screens, which only gained momentum in the the the third episode. Season two is all about the undulated steps that one has to take for a startup to shoot across the highest stars. For all aspiring young entrepreneurs, this series can provide some significant insights.

Jeetu Was Terribly Missed! Oh, And We Loved Ridhi Dogra!

Season one heavily focused on the personal lives and interpersonal relationships of the group – Naveen, Yogi, Jeetu and Mandal. Maybe the camera’s pan into their lives provided a more realistic touch to the series. In season two, this was lacking. Anurabh Kumar’s central direction has been in and around the development of Pragati. What’s more, Jeetu had apparently left the start-up after some disagreements between the four. His character was crucial in representing the Indian household anxiousness and anti-start up attitude which prevails in many families, and discourages the young entrepreneurs to even take the first step. Jeetu’s character would have been a significant plot in season two to show the developments in his relationship with his father.

Nevertheless, Naveen’s anxiousness, uncertainty, and the stress of the employees working in a baby start-up could be felt through the screens. Maybe this tediousness wasn’t for the majority of the viewers of ‘Pitchers’ who might have returned to the show for an equal screen time for the characters’s domestic and romantic lives.

Needless to say, the star cast, Naveen Kathuria, Abhay Manjan and Anurabh Kumar himself, delivered an honest performance once again! Infact, Naveen Kathuria and Abhay Manjan outdid their characters effortlessly! Maybe one thing that ‘Pitchers’ will always maintain is it’s quality casting with outstanding execution of the scenes and talented actors. One terrific addition to the new season’s cast was Ridhi Dogra, the actress, who is soon going to be making her Bollywood debut! The beautiful Ridhi Dogra added a charismatic element to the scene with her distinct and sharp presence.

To conclude, ‘Pitchers’ season 2 fulfilled the promise of delivering an honest peek into the start-up community, the brutalities of the market world and entrepreneurship, but it couldn’t retain its binge-worthiness. It might have underestimated season one’s holistic screenwriting which allowed a balanced spoonful of personal and the market world.