National Almond Day
National Almond Day is observed every year on February 16 to honor one of the most popular and versatile munchies around.
Almonds are not only yummy but also very healthy, so it makes sense that they alone have a dedicated day.
From breakfast smoothies to desserts, almonds are a staple in every corner of the world, so make sure to grab a handful and enjoy as much as you want.
There are no records about the exact origins of this day, but it is said that the universal love for almonds is the cause.
History of Almonds
The roots of almonds date back thousands of years to South Asia and the Middle East, and later they were introduced to Europe and North America through trade routes.
California is one of the major producers of almonds around the world now, and hence it is a major agricultural product.
Although it is classified as a nut, an almond is technically the seed of the fruit from the almond tree, and the outer fruit hull dries and spills open to reveal the shell inside that protects the seed.
Almonds were of very high value in ancient civilizations, as they often make appearances in historical scriptures and were also found in tombs, as they symbolized good fortune.
With the improvements in harvesting, irrigation, and processing over the years, almond farming was made efficient and accessible.
Celebrating National Almond Day
The versatility of almonds allows you to enjoy them in multiple forms, and you can have them on their own or start with a salad, a chicken or vegetable course cooked in an almond base, and then desserts loaded with almonds.
Invite a few fellow almond fans and make it a themed dinner.
If you prefer something simple, snack on roasted almonds, blend up a smoothie with almond butter, or swap regular milk for almond milk in your coffee or cereal.
However you choose to enjoy them, take a moment to appreciate this small but mighty seed today. 
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