Food wise I think of pecans, peaches and peanuts. The three “P’s”. This past week while teaching in Birmingham Alabama I came across a historic peanut roasting plant. I enjoy history, food history and plant tours! (I also snuck in a tour of The Golden Flake snack factory before my flight home).
Along the brick lined Morris Street and red brick buildings that dated into the late 1880s and early 1900s I came across the Peanut Depot, which began, roasting these legumes in 1907. Prior to that the building was a printing facility. They have 3 large roasters that can hold 100 pounds each, and these are made of cast iron with a manufacturing date of 1900 made in Peoria, IL by the Bartholomew Company. 
100 year old roastersThey also have a newer (75 year old) smaller roaster that looks more like something you would use for coffee beans for when they only need a small batch.
Peanuts come in Salted, Raw and Cajun styles. You can also enjoy a southern treat of boiled peanuts. Bags come in a variety of sizes and the burlap gift bags are the best!
Peanut Depot
Since 1907
Lex Legate ~ Owner
2016 Morris Avenue
Birmingham, LA 35203
205-251-3314
If you want to see the roasters in full force, I suggest that you arrive before 9am early in the week.
Recipe: Here is my Old Fashion Peanut Brittle