Hazelnut, Walnut, Chestnut, Pine Nuts, Cashews and “your friend(s)” are some of the many types of nuts in the world and today is the day that we celebrate all of them, except the latter. October 22 is the day that we observe National Nut Day.
Most nuts are highly nutritious and contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids, fibre and plant sterols, which make them a healthy addition to any diet. Nuts are among the vital energy source and a primary source of nutrients for us humans and wildlife. From cooking to cosmetics, nuts have a lot of uses and potential that is yet to be discovered.
History of Nuts
A recent archaeological finding in Israel, Iran and Texas revealed that nuts had been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. At a recent excavation in Israel, archaeologists found primitive nutcrackers and nutshells believed to over 780,000 years old, and in Iran, archaeologists found almost similar evidence of human eating nuts that goes back to 50,000 B.C. These findings suggest that our ancestors have been eating nuts since the dawn of time.
During the ancient time in the Middle East, nuts were widely consumed and traded along the trade route. Back then, the Romans were synonymous with their candied almonds and walnuts, which they considered being the food of the gods.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, almond milk and flour were a vital ingredient and commodity in baking and trade, respectively. Asides from almond, chestnuts were popular and essential food, especially during the harsh winter.
Quick Facts About Nuts
- Did you know that the original flavour of cola came from the Kola Nut?
- Cashews are fruits.
- Cashew shells are toxic
- Pistachios are the seed of a fruit.
- A serving of Walnuts contains 100% of your daily Omega-3 requirements.
- A serving of Chestnuts contains 20% of your vitamin C requirements.
How to celebrate National Nut Day
One of the best ways to celebrate this day is to go nuts and try every type of nuts that you can find in any convenience store near you.
Or if you feel like baking or cooking, you can try this recipe of mixed nut bars, courtesy of Taste of Home. Nutty, tasty and healthy, these mixed nut bars are a great time-saver for your source of energy during any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ cup plus 2 tbsp. cold butter, divided
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 can mixed nuts
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar and salt.
- Cut in ½ cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, pressed into a greased 13” x 9” baking pan and bake at 350-degree C around 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butterscotch chips and remaining butter in a microwave. Stir until smooth and then add in corn syrup.
- Sprinkle nuts over the crust and top with the butterscotch mixture. Then, bake for another 10 minutes.
- Once done, allow to cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Don’t forget to share your nutty bars with your peers on this nutty day. Happy National Nut Day!