February 16

National Almond Day

Celebrate National Almond Day with delicious recipes featuring this tasty nut - from almond cookies to almond milk smoothies, there are endless possibilities!

Yearly Date

February 16

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate National Almond Day on February 16th with a little bit of history! Almonds are believed to have been cultivated as early as 3000 BC in the Middle East, and they've been enjoyed by cultures around the world ever since. From almond milk to almond butter, there's no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy these crunchy nuts. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, be sure to celebrate this special day with your favorite almond-based treats!

National Almond Day Timeline

3000 BC

Almond Cultivation Begins

Almonds are believed to have been first cultivated in the Middle East.

18th Century

Almonds Introduced to California

Spanish missionaries introduced almond trees to California, which later became the largest almond producer in the world.

1860s

Almond Farming Commercialization

Adequate irrigation systems and introduction of specific almond varieties led to commercialization of almond farming in California.

1910

Invention of Almond Rocha

Brown & Haley invents Almond Roca, the world's first hard buttercrunch candy with almonds, popularizing almonds globally.

1976

Almond Board of California Founded

The Almond Board of California was established to help research, develop and market California almonds.

2010s

Rise of Almond Milk

Almond milk became a popular dairy alternative, making almonds more prevalent in daily consumption.

How to Celebrate National Almond Day

1 Bake almond cookies

Almond cookies are a delicious way to celebrate National Almond Day. You can make a classic batch of almond cookies with ground almonds, sugar, butter and egg whites or you can get creative with different ingredients like dried fruit, cocoa powder, or spices.

2 Create an almond-based snack mix

Mix up a batch of your favorite almonds, seeds and dried fruit for an easy snack mix to celebrate National Almond Day. For example, try combining roasted almonds with pepitas, dried coconut chips, and dried cranberries for a crunchy and sweet treat.

3 Grind your own almond butter

Making your own almond butter is surprisingly easy and it's a great way to celebrate National Almond Day. All you need is some raw almonds and a food processor or blender. Just blend the almonds until they reach your desired consistency.

4 Make an almond smoothie

Almonds give smoothies an amazing nutty flavor so why not celebrate National Almond Day with a delicious almond smoothie? Simply blend together some frozen bananas, almond milk, honey and some almonds for a creamy, flavorful smoothie.

5 Roast almonds at home

Roasted almonds are the perfect snack for any occasion but they are especially good for celebrating National Almond Day. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the almonds out on a baking sheet in an even layer. Roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

Why We Love National Almond Day

Almonds are healthy

Almonds are among the most nutritious nuts, containing high levels of protein, fiber and healthy fats. They're also a great source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, and can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Almonds are delicious

From sweet to savory, almonds can be prepared in just about any way imaginable! They can be enjoyed as a snack or tossed into salads for added crunch. You can even use them as an ingredient in smoothies or baked goods like cookies and muffins for an extra boost of flavor.

Almonds are versatile

Almonds aren't just limited to sweet treats - they can also be used to make savory dishes such as pesto, dips, sauces and more. Plus, you can grind them up to make your own almond butter or almond meal for baking at home!