Andrew Smith, author of the University of Illinois Press book Peanuts: The Illustrious History of the Goober Pea, is quoted in today’s Chicago Tribune on the economics of American kids’ favorite sandwich.

“Before the Depression, it was regarded as an upscale product. . . . I love it. Right now there are two jars directly behind me at my home office … and a spoon. Sometimes when I’m working late at night, I spoon directly out of the jar for energy.”