NATIONAL PEANUT DAY

On September 13th National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.

Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground, like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.

The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in vitamins E and B6, but they’re rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Studies also show when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, this wonderful legume helps us absorb nutrients better, too.

For the longest time, livestock gained the most significant benefit from all these nutrients. Until modern methods came along, planting and harvesting peanuts were labor-intensive and risky endeavors for farmers. Gradually their popularity grew. Civil War soldiers found a fondness for them, and so did fans of PT Barnum’s traveling circus. But what made it possible for peanuts to be grown in abundance was an advancement in farm technology. Just like the cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry, planters and harvesters transformed not only the peanut farm but farming the world over.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack ~ lyric from Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1908) by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer.

Dr. George Washington Carver

With the rise in peanut production, there also brought an increase of curious investigation into its possible uses. When the boll weevil wreaked havoc on the South’s cotton crop, Dr. George Washington Carver, made a suggestion. He had been researching this amazing groundnut and suggested farmers diversify into peanuts. It was an economic boon to Southern farmers.  He published his research “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption” in 1916. His continued research resulted in more than delicious uses for this goober, groundnut or ground pea. From shaving cream to plastics and cosmetics and even coffee, Dr. Carver’s appetite for the peanut seemed to be unending.

Many of the peanut discoveries Dr. Carver made 100 years ago are still being used today.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPeanutDay

Explore the world of the peanut and crack open some for a healthful snack. Use #NationalPeanutDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MACADAMIA NUT DAY

National Macadamia Nut Day on September 4th recognizes a delicious nut found in many baked goods and desserts.

Delectable macadamia nuts have a creamy, buttery taste. These nuts add a subtle richness to everything they grace. Also versatile, macadamia nuts originated in Australia. They were named for the physician and chemist, John Macadam, who discovered them. Macadam also pursued furthering the cultivation of the tree in Australia making it more abundant.  

Similar to large evergreens, the macadamia tree grows between 30 and 40 feet high. Although they are native to Australia, most of today’s world supply grows in Hawaii. Growers first began cultivating macadamia trees in Hawaii in 1921. Indonesia, South Africa, and California also grow this delicious nut commercially. 

Like many nuts, macadamia may be eaten raw or roasted. Bakers particularly like to use them in baked goods, such as cookies. They pair exceptionally well with chocolate, too.

Since the macadamia is nutrient-rich, they are known for their health benefits. Being in the nut family has its benefits, too! Macadamias are a valuable source of energy, high in dietary fiber, gluten-free, high in mono-unsaturated fat. They also provide an excellent source of minerals and contain many essential B-complex vitamins. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacadamiaNutDay

Whether you seek a healthy snack or satisfaction for a sweet tooth, this nut has you covered. Try a new recipe. Grab a handful of macadamia nuts for a snack at your desk or bake them into a batch of cookies. Add some to your salad or mix them in with popcorn while watching a movie. Share your ideas, celebrations and more by using #MacadamiaNutDay to post on social media.

GRAB SOME NUTS DAY

There are many “nut” days throughout the year, but August 3rd embraces them all. It’s National Grab Some Nuts Day!

Defining a nut is tricky. Though botanically an almond and cashew aren’t considered nuts, once they’re in the can, it’s hard to tell the difference. The same goes for walnuts and peanuts, even though they have the word “nut” in their names. Despite the confusion, these nuts, legumes, seeds, and drupes continue to find their way into our daily diets. Whether we add them to salads or into our baking, we love nuts. We’re nutty for nuts!

Depending on the kind, they add necessary good fats to our diets. They’re also full of minerals and nutrients we might otherwise be missing. In the right quantities, they improve our health and make things taste better, too. There’s nothing too nutty about that.

These little bountiful nuggets contain beneficial nutrients, have a long shelf life, and can be quite portable. They add a nice crunch to snacks and desserts as well as satisfying meals. National Grab Some Nuts Day might seem a little squirrelly, but then again it’s the right time of year for it. Go nuts and grab a few or a lot!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay

Do not forget to grab a handful of your favorite nuts to snack on today! Better yet, get baking. Nuts add texture and flavor to baked goods. Don’t forget the savory dishes. Try adding almonds to salads, peanuts to stirfry or create a crust from crushed pecans for a pork roast.

Try my Keto Breaded Chicken for an awesome addition to salads or just use it for fried chicken. No matter how you celebrate, the day encourages sharing by using #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay on social media. 

NATIONAL SOUR CANDY DAY

July 18th is National Sour Candy Day! Adults and children alike will enjoy lip-puckering, eye-watering flavors. Choose your favorite sour candy and celebrate!

In the candy world, sour candy is the young, energetic, and fun member of the candy family. It awakens the taste buds and adds a punch of youthful energy. Every flavor combination out there creates a dazzling taste sensation. Surprisingly, sometimes a sweet candy delivers a walloping tear-jerking zap in a bite-sized lozenge or sucker that lasts for several minutes. Other times, it delivers the punch in a chewy form. These fun sour candies come in a variety of entertaining shapes and sizes. From chewy twists and ropes to sweet bite-sized pieces and straws, each one creates a unique juicy tang, indeed.

Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, Summer Candy, Sour Gummy Worms, 28.8 Ounce Resealable Bag
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Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, Summer Candy, Sour Gummy Worms, 28.8 Ounce Resealable Bag

On this sweet holiday, instead of trying regular old candy, celebrate by trying sour candy. It’s like having a birthday and not getting any older!  If you’ve tasted sour candy before, try a new flavor and discover which one makes your mouth pucker the most! Will it be Cherry or Watermelon or maybe a combination of Tangerine-Lemonade? Without a doubt, July 18th is the perfect day to share any of the variety of flavors the American Licorice Company has to offer.

NATIONAL SOUR CANDY DAY HISTORY

American Licorice Company founded National Sour Candy Day in 2015 to celebrate all the tasty varieties of sour candies and to encourage everyone to give them a try. To learn more about the Sour Punch® brand, follow on Facebook and Twitter.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSourCandyDay

Brighten up your day with some sour candy. As a matter of fact, consider visiting a sweet shop and pick up a bagful. Share with your friends or coworkers. See who makes the best pucker and share your sour combinations using #NationalSourCandyDay on social media.

CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY

National Chocolate with Almonds Day on July 8th each year offers combo deal to celebrate. What a great way to wrap up chocolate and almonds in one package. Celebrate it by giving some to a friend or neighbor. 

When it comes to adding almonds to chocolate, the options are plentiful. From cakes to chocolate bars, puddings and cookies we can celebrate this National Day with snacks and desserts galore! Whether you pick up a chocolate bar or make something from scratch, this holiday will surely hit the spot. This timeless combination brings smooth chocolate and crunch to snack time. However, it also adds a warm nuttiness to cakes and brownies. Add both to ice cream or mousse for a richer flavor or elevate other divine desserts such as cheesecake and custards. 

Chocolate syrup with chopped nuts drizzled over your favorite pastry adds just a hint of sinful flavor. And when popcorn screams for added crunch, chocolate and almonds answer the call. The options are unlimited for this combo, don’t doubt it.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE AND ALMONDS:

Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. Almonds have been shown to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. They may also help protect against heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, which can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds Candy Bars, 1.45 oz (36 Count)
HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds Candy Bars, 1.45 oz (36 Count)

When combined, almonds and chocolate can offer a number of health benefits. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating almonds and dark chocolate together can help lower LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol. Another study found that eating almonds and dark chocolate can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Of course, moderation is key. Too much chocolate can be high in calories and sugar, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. A handful of almonds or a few squares of dark chocolate are a healthy and delicious way to snack.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateWithAlmondsDay

Enjoy chocolate and almonds are by sipping coffee flavored with the combination. Be sure to invite friends who appreciate these holidays, too. Anyone who savors friendship and chocolate should be included. Don’t forget to share photos on social media using #ChocolateWithAlmondsDay.

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