requested this years and years ago on NetGalley, because microhistories were cool. did not read this for years and years, so reviewed a print ILL thanks to my local public library.

This isn't quite a microhistory for the generic popular science and history reader. The level of detail and specificity are more suited to researchers, industry professionals, and agriculture readers. The writing style/voice was more pop-science-friendly, but the content is very focused.

I was unable to read this book in time... almost 8 years ago. idk why this showed up in my files again.

People have related all American staples to be apple pie, hamburgers, and hot dogs but author Jon Krampner presents a case that peanut butter is equally an all American food. To the reader's surprise, the story of peanut butter presented by Krampner is the story of twentieth-century America, demonstrating how the crop has expanded and used in a variety of ways as America has developed.

Not only are peanuts roasted and coated in chocolate but they are used to flavor candy, ice cream, cooking oils, and cookies to name a few of these comfort foods infused with peanuts. The author's first popular historical tome is rich with anecdotes and facts spruced with interviews, analytical research, nutritional statistics, personal stories, expeditions into the peanut-growing regions of the South, and recipes that use peanut butter.

Krampner sheds light on how peanuts and peanut butter have whittled its way into people's diets and meal plans, and how easily grocers have made peanut butter accessible to consumers. Creamy and Crunchy contain the stories of such peanut butter store brands as Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan. He chronicles the good and the bad side of the product's history from the emergence of peanut butter companies and peanut butter rivals to discussing peanut butter lawsuits, peanut butter shortages and recalls, and the rise of peanut allergies.

The reader will learn veritably every aspect about the peanut product and its packaging, its market and value to consumers, and government­­­s involvement in regulating the industry. It's an entertaining book that provides readers with an ample amount of information about peanuts and the American diet. Audiences never realize that they are being overwhelmed by the information simply because it is all information that is relevant to their lives.