- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- FoodHealthy Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌰
National Walnut Day cracks open every May 17, celebrating the crunchy, nutritious, and incredibly versatile walnut. Revered for its brain-boosting omega-3s and culinary adaptability, this day encourages everyone to explore new ways to enjoy this ancient superfood. Bake with them, snack on them, or add them to your favorite savory dishes!
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National Walnut Day timeline
The first historical account of walnut cultivation dates back to Babylon.
European walnuts are shipped from England to North America where it becomes a popular tree.
The Walnut Marketing Board creates National Walnut Day to celebrate and promote walnuts.
A Senate Resolution proposed by William F. Knowland leads to an official declaration from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, declaring National Walnut Day on May 17, 1958.
National Walnut Day FAQs
When is National Walnut Day?
In 2027, National Walnut Day is observed on Monday, May 17. Kick off your week by adding these nutritious nuts to your breakfast or lunch for a healthy boost.
What are the health benefits of walnuts?
Beyond their rich flavor, walnuts contribute significantly to a balanced diet, supporting cognitive health and providing essential nutrients. Regular consumption can aid in managing cholesterol levels and promoting overall well-being.
How many walnuts are produced annually?
The United States alone typically produces over 700,000 tons of walnuts each year, with California accounting for nearly all of this volume. This substantial harvest ensures a steady supply for consumers worldwide, highlighting their agricultural importance.
What's the difference between English walnuts and black walnuts?
While both are true walnuts, English walnuts are commercially cultivated for their accessible taste and texture, whereas black walnuts are prized for their intense, distinctive flavor and are often foraged or found in gourmet markets. Their differing characteristics offer unique culinary applications.
National Walnut Day Activities
Shell your own
Don’t you find that food tastes better when you’ve worked a bit for it? Buy some walnuts still in their shells, grab a nutcracker (or a hammer), and get going. Bonus: it doubles as a stress-relieving exercise!
Gift ‘em
Candied walnuts are an impressive gift that couldn’t be easier to make. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sugar, and add any spices you want (we like cinnamon and ginger). Toss the walnuts in this mixture until they’re coated; then spread them out on some parchment paper to cool. Pack them into small jars, distribute among your friends, and pretend you're Martha Stewart.
Make a walnut cocktail
Nocino is an Italian liqueur made from unripe walnuts. It’s nutty, sweet, strong, and a bit spicy—in other words, it will warm you right up. The Italians drink it on its own as a digestif, but it also pairs very well with brown spirits. We think it’d be a great addition to a Manhattan.
5 Reasons We're Sort Of Nuts About Walnuts
Kitchen chameleons
These versatile nuts can be eaten raw or toasted, pickled or candied, added to a wide range of cereals, baked into pies, cakes, and cookies, tossed onto ice cream, used in pesto and other sauces, and processed into oils and nut butters.
More than just food
Ink still made today from walnut husks is said to have been used by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt for writing and drawing; shells are crushed for use as landscape mulch; and the abrasive quality of ground walnut shells also makes them useful in cleaning products.
Wall-to-wall
Especially abundant in the U.S. and China, walnuts are also cultivated in Iran, Turkey, Mexico, Ukraine, Chile, England, Slovenia, and Romania.
Healing properties
Walnuts have been used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and freshen breath
Long-lasting
A walnut tree can live to be 250 years old
Why We Love National Walnut Day
Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse
Walnuts are the only nut with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat just a quarter cup, you’ll have more than 100% of the daily recommended amount. These omega-3s contribute to your brain function, heart health, and reduce inflammation. Walnuts are also a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Plus they’re high in protein and fiber, so they make a great snack.
They’ve got some (ancient) history
Walnuts are the oldest known tree food—they date back to 7000 B.C.! The walnuts we eat today are known as English walnuts, but they actually originated in ancient Persia where they were considered a delicacy for the royalty. They first moved through the Asian and Middle Eastern world by trade along the Silk Road, and then further via sea trade. They eventually made it to England, where merchants would sail them to ports around the world, hence the “English” name.
They’re versatile
Walnuts are great in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes. Eat them by themselves, or chop them up and toss them in cookies, oatmeal, salads, sauces, cakes, you name it! And calling all vegetarians/vegans: their texture makes for a great meat-substitute. Seriously, Google “walnut chorizo.”
