National Walnut Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Food Healthy 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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Expected National Walnut Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Walnut Day often inspires special offers from food retailers and health brands. Look for discounts on bulk walnuts at stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s. Baking supply companies such as King Arthur Baking Company may feature walnut-centric recipes and ingredient bundles. Specialty nut purveyors like Oh! Nuts and Nutty & Fruity could offer online sales. Regional grocery chains and local bakeries might also highlight walnut-filled pastries and snacks. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Walnut Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalWalnutDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite walnut recipes, from salads to desserts.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalWalnutDay. Film quick recipe tutorials or creative ways to incorporate walnuts into meals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalWalnutDay. Share family recipes featuring walnuts or discuss your favorite health benefits.

National Walnut Day Hero

The Walnut Marketing Board (WMB)

The Walnut Marketing Board (WMB) was instrumental in establishing National Walnut Day in the 1950s to promote the consumption and awareness of walnuts. While not a single person, the collective efforts of the WMB significantly contributed to the recognition of walnuts as a valuable food source and a staple in American diets, highlighting their nutritional benefits and culinary uses.

National Walnut Day timeline

2000 B.C.

The OG Walnuts

The first historical account of walnut cultivation dates back to Babylon.

1800s

English Walnut

European walnuts are shipped from England to North America where it becomes a popular tree.

1949

Nuts About Nuts

The Walnut Marketing Board creates National Walnut Day to celebrate and promote walnuts.

March 3, 1958

Best Resolution Ever

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.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Walnut Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Walnut Day by incorporating walnuts into special menu items or product offerings. Restaurants and bakeries could feature walnut-crusted dishes, walnut bread, or walnut-studded desserts. Health food stores might offer discounts on bulk walnuts or host cooking demonstrations showcasing walnut recipes. Even coffee shops can join in with walnut-flavored lattes or pastries, encouraging customers to explore the versatility and health benefits of this remarkable nut.

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.”