National Almond Day is an annual event celebrated on February 16th each year. The purpose of the day is to celebrate and recognize the almond, an incredibly versatile nut that is a staple in many dishes from sweet and savory alike.
February 16th is National Almond Day!!!
About National Almond Day
National Almond Day is a food holiday that is celebrated annually on February 16th. The holiday celebrates the almond, a nut that is native to the Middle East and South Asia. Almonds are a popular ingredient in many different cuisines and are used in a variety of products, including almond milk, almond flour, and almond oil.
Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. They have been shown to provide health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.
Almonds have been around for millennia and have been enjoyed by cultures around the world for centuries. Ancient Egyptians believed almonds had magical powers, while Greeks associated them with fertility. In the Middle Ages, French royalty held almond trees in high esteem – so much so that they were often referred to as “The King’s Tree”. Spaniards brought almonds to California during the 1700s when they colonized what would become the Golden State; today it produces 80% of all U.S.-grown almonds.
Ways to Celebrate National Almond Day
On National Almond Day people take time out of their day to celebrate this wonderful nut with various activities such as baking almond-based treats or having friends over for an almond-themed cooking party by making a dish that features almonds as a main ingredient. Another way to celebrate the holiday is to simply eat a handful of almonds as a snack or add them to your favorite recipe.
Other ideas include contributing donations or volunteering at local food pantries that distribute shelf-stable goods like nuts and seeds or creating awareness through social media posts about how important it is to have access to nutritious foods.
National Almond Day Recipes
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate National Almond Day, why not try one of these delicious recipes?
ALMOND CRUNCH COOKIES
The most delicious Almond Crunch Cookies and they are so easy! This simple and easy, yet delicious little sweet treat recipe will make you smile every time you take a bite!
HOMEMADE ALMOND JOY ICE CREAM
Time for some Homemade Almond Joy Ice Cream! No machine is needed for this easy-to-make ice cream recipe that uses International Delight’s Almond Joy creamer! Sooooo good!
Orange Almond Biscotti
These lightly sweetened biscotti are perfectly flavored with a generous amount of fresh orange zest, and blanched almonds add a bit of crunch as well as almond flavor to the cookie.
Blueberry Almond Bars
Blueberry almond bars – Buttery cookie almond base topped with a layer of sweet and juicy blueberries and crumbled topping. A great way to enjoy both fruit and nuts in one bite.
Strawberry Crêpes with Almond Whipped Cream
Strawberry Crêpes with Almond Whipped Cream is a delicious take on the classic French crêpe. The combination of sweet strawberries and nutty almond gives this dish an irresistible flavor that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Almond Crusted Tilapia
Want to mix almonds into dinner? Try this tasty Almond Crusted Tilapia recpe. You can’t beat Tilapia coated with crushed almonds cooked until golden brown!
CRANBERRY ALMOND ENERGY BITES
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a protein packed recipe that you can store in your freezer for a healthy and convenient snack or breakfast. Loaded with wholesome foods like chia seeds, ground flaxseed, peanut butter and almonds, they have plenty of protein, fiber and healthy fats to fill you up and give you the energy you need to conquer your day!
Lemon Raspberry Almond Muffins
These bakery style Lemon Raspberry Almond Muffins are bursting with flavor. With fresh-squeezed lemon juice, fresh raspberry and almond flavor, this combination makes the perfect summer muffin. These homemade muffins are finished with an almond streusel on top.
3 Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
These almond flour peanut butter cookies are a great treat for those looking for something quick and easy to make. They require just three ingredients: almond flour, peanut butter and an egg. Plus, they take only about 10 minutes to prepare!
COCONUT AND ALMOND FUDGE
This Coconut and Almond Fudge is a quick, easy and delicious fudge recipe perfect for gift giving or a special treat anytime! Almost fail-proof!
COCONUT AND ALMOND FUDGE
White Almond Cake
There’s no cake quite like white almond cake. Also known as wedding cake. A light, fluffy and moist white cake is flavored with pure almond extract and frosted with the fluffiest and silkiest buttercream out there.
CHOCOLATE ALMOND FLOURLESS CAKE
Rich and fudgy flourless chocolate cake with raspberries. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream and prefect for National Almond Day!
Buttery Caramel Apple Almond Quick Bread
This delicious fall bread is packed with chunks of apples and topped with a delicious, buttery caramel almond mixture! Try it for breakfast, snack or dessert and enjoy every last bite!
Fun Facts About Almonds
- Almonds are the seed of a type of tree native to Asia and the Middle East.
- Almonds are high in healthy fats, dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and calcium.
- Almonds can help lower cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Almond oil has been used for centuries as a natural skin moisturizer and is rich in vitamins A and E.
- Studies have shown that almonds may be beneficial in reducing weight gain, improving digestion and helping to control blood sugar levels.
- Almonds are nutrient dense snacks that provide an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals.
- One serving of almonds (1/4 cup) contains 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
- Approximately 79% of the fat found in almonds is monounsaturated fatty acids which helps promote cardiovascular health.
- Almonds can be eaten raw or roasted, whole or chopped up for use in salads or other dishes.
- The scientific name for almond is Prunus dulcis which means “sweet nut” in Latin.
- Research shows that consuming 1–2 ounces of almonds per day can reduce LDL cholesterol by 4–10%.
- Eating almonds along with their skins increases antioxidant content by up to 19%.
- Eating lots of almonds on a regular basis can boost brain health due to the high amount of vitamin B6 they contain.
- About 20% of almond production is used for commercial purposes such as flavorings, oils, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals etc., while 80% is consumed as food ingredients or snack products.
- It takes about 1000 pounds (450 kg) of fresh almond fruits to produce one pound (0.45 kg) of shelled almonds from tree ripened fruits at harvest time.
- Almond trees can live up to 30 years with proper care being given each year during pruning season which begins late winter through early spring in Mediterranean climates like California where most American grown almonds are produced today.
- The first written record mentioning almond trees appears in Homer’s Iliad dating back to 8th century BC.
- California produces almost 80 percent (by volume)of all the world’s supply making it the largest producer followed by Spain who produces around 11 percent (by volume).
- Most types grown today are sweet almond varieties like Nonpareil with origins traced back millennia ago from Ancient Persia now known as Iran & Syria where some type still do grow wild even today!
