Celebrate National Almond Day Every February 16
February 16 is National Almond Day
So far this month we’ve been indulging in chocolate for Valentine’s Day and gumdrops for National Gumdrop Day.
It may be time to try a healthier snack now.
So National Almond Day arrives just in time!
Where Do Almonds Come From?
Humans were cultivating almonds by about 4,000 B.C., making them one of the earliest foods that humans cultivated .
It was also an important and valuable food. The nut is mentioned in Hebrew literature and the Bible. It shows up in art, including in Van Gogh paintings and Persian rugs. Almonds were used as fertility charms by the Romans.
They are native to South Asia and the Middle East, but today about 80% of the world’s almonds come from California. The next largest producer is Spain.
Are Almonds Really Good For You?
Yes, evidence suggests almonds are a healthful snack. They are good sources of fiber, Vitamin E, magnesium and even protein. They’re also high in potassium.
They may help promote a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They may also help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full longer. These benefits haven’t been proven, but almonds are so yummy you’ll want to eat them. So any benefits are more like a bonus for eating them rather than the reason for eating them
And they do contain nutrients your body needs. So even if the specific benefits aren’t clear, they are a good addition to your diet.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial high-fiber holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating National Almond Day
Make it an almond-licious day.
Eat almonds
Drink almond milk (make your own)
Use almond butter on your toast
Use almond oil for sauteing
Make cookies or a cake using marzipan (almond paste) or almond extract.
Try these recipes:
- For breakfast, Almond Butter Cinnamon Vanilla Oatmeal
- For lunch, try Asian Chicken Almond Salad
- Then for dinner, have Trout Amandine
- With Asparagus with Toasted Almonds and Garlic as a side
- For dessert, Almond Fudge Banana Cake
- Or maybe you’d prefer Salted Marcona Almond Cookies
Yum. What a delicious day!
So … how are you celebrating?
[…] National Almond Day: Today’s the day for almond lovers! Find ways to add almonds to all your meals today! Get creative. Or try a new recipe using almonds (we link to a few!). […]