National Nut Day

National Nut Day History

National Nut Day celebrates a diverse range of nutritious and versatile nuts. These powerhouse food items not only have a broad range of flavors and textures but are also rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The day aims to raise awareness about the numerous health benefits of consuming nuts, promote their sustainable production, and emphasize the importance of including them as a regular component of a balanced diet.

Nuts have played a significant role in American culinary culture, with native species including pecans, black walnuts, and hickory nuts being integrated into famous regional dishes. The United States is also one of the world's largest producers and consumers of nuts, with almonds, pistachios, and walnuts being major export products.

Various organizations, including educational institutions, businesses, and local communities come together to celebrate the day through events and activities that focus on the benefits of nuts. People take the opportunity to try new nut-based recipes, learn about the specific nutritional aspects of different nuts, and share their favorite nut creations with friends and family. By partaking in these activities, Americans reaffirm the importance of nuts as a staple part of their daily diets and support the sustainability, diversity, and growth of the nut industry. National Nut Day is observed on October 22 each year.

National Nut Day facts

• Wall Street got its name from an actual wall that was built in the 17th century by the Dutch, who were trading actively in walnut futures at the time.
• Macadamia nuts are known to be the hardest nuts to crack. They require more than 300 pounds per square inch of pressure.
• Nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts were a major part of human diet 780,000 years ago. Nuts were served at the wedding feast of Roman King Tutankhamun.
• Peanuts are legumes, a member of the Pea family, not really nuts.
• There are about 540 peanuts in a 12 ounce jar of peanut butter.
• Nuts do not contain any cholesterol. In fact, nuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid. It helps to lower LDL or 'bad cholesterol' and increases HDL or 'good cholesterol' level in the blood.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Nut Day

Top things to do in the US for National Nut Day

• Eat nuts for lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
• Learn more about the heath benefits of nuts and general healthy eating by watching a documentary. Some of our picks: Food Matters (2008), Hungry For Change (2012) and Making the Connection (2011)
• Try some of the lesser known nut butters: Almond Butter, Pecan Butter, Cashew and Hazelnut butter.
• Cook or bake something that uses nuts. Try banana nut muffins, orange and nut squares, or Macadamia nut Crusted Mahi Mahi.
• Visit your doctor and get your heart rate and cholesterol checked. Nuts have been linked to lower cholesterol, better heart health, and even a lower cancer risk.