Peanut butter dominates the peanut industry in America, reeling in over 300$ million in annual revenue. The French only reel in over 30$ million in annual revenue from peanut butter, but interestingly enough uses more peanut oil than any other European country. This is where the peanut makes its biggest impact on the French cuisine due to peanut oils suitability for frying (you know, French fries and what not) and for its use in light vinaigrettes and dressings.
For years, France received most of its peanuts from their colony in Africa, Senegal. The peanut was the most important crop in Senegal and as demand rose, the French provided great monetary support towards building vast plantations for growing peanuts. While this certainly increased peanut exports, an economic and political benefit to the French, it came with a decline in production of other crops in the colony. The French drove the Senegal economy in the direction most beneficial to France before taking over the industry, monopolizing it, and thus reaping the benefits. The French eventually established a colonial administration throughout their empire in Africa everywhere except Senegal, where they were forced to assimilate into the French culture. Instead of creating an economic and political culture for its own benefit, Senegal was forced into retaining its duty as France’s #1 peanut plug. Even since achieving independence in 1960, Senegal still must continue to bolster its economy while it still must rely on the imports of many foods from other countries, especially France, due to the focus on the peanut as the cash crop of the country from French influence. All in all, the history of France’s relationship with Senegal and its peanuts can be seen as another tale of the enduring times the imperialistic era brought through conquest and colonization.
Delicious France 