NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY
National Date Nut Bread Day on December 22nd delivers a baker’s delight to celebrate. Incidentally, some sources also suggest the day is celebrated on September 8th, too.
#DateNutBreadDay
Dates
Believed to have originated around Iraq, dates have been a staple food of the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years. They have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, possibly as early as 4000 BCE.
In 1765, the Spaniards introduced dates into Mexico and California.
Dates provide essential nutrients and are an excellent source of dietary potassium. In ripe dates, the sugar content is about 80% of the fruit. The remainder of the date consists of protein, fiber, and trace elements of boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc.
Nuts
Many nuts are good sources of vitamins E and B2. Nuts are also rich in protein, folate fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium.
Several studies have shown that those who consume nuts on a regular basis are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. (CHD) It was in 1993 that nuts were first linked to protections against CHD. Since that time, many clinical trials have found that the consumption of various nuts such as almonds and walnuts can lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations.
When mixing up the batter for quick bread loaves, add dates and nuts and your National Date Nut Day celebration will be ready to go!
HOW TO OBSERVE DATE NUT BREAD DAY
Date nut bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. You can toast it and add a little butter. You can also bake a few loaves for loved ones. They make excellent gifts for the holidays, too. We even have several recipes for you to try!
Old Fashioned Date Nut Bread
Date Nut Spice Bread
Date and Walnut Bread
1947 Date Nut Bread
Orange Date Nut Bread
Use #DateNutBreadDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues munching our way through the origins of this delicious day. However, it remains a nutty mystery.
Date Nut FAQ
Q. Why is the date palm important?
A. Every part of the date palm tree serves a purpose. It is called the “tree of life,” and in the Middle East, the tree provides many products include fuel, packing material, and rope. The seeds may be used as feed for livestock or ground into flour for baking. Date seed oil is also incorporated into lotions and moisturizers.
Q. How many varieties of dates are there?
A. Dates come in more than 200 varieties. One of the largest types of dates is the Medjool date. It is difficult to grow, causing it to also be the most expensive date variety.
Q. Are there other quick bread days on the calendar?
A. Yes. National Banana Bread Day and National Zucchini Bread Day are two quick bread celebrations on the calendar.
December 22nd Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
1882
Long before Clark Griswold connected 250 strands of lights to decorate his house for Christmas, he must thank Edward H. Johnson. Thomas Edison hired Johnson in 1871 and by the time he founded the Edison Electric Light Company, Johnson was named as vice president. One of Johnson’s favorite holidays was Christmas and in 1882, he put his electrical ingenuity to work. He hand-wired a string of 80 red, white, and blue bulbs the size of walnuts to his Christmas tree. Additional lights decorated his ceiling.
1932
The Mummy starring Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, and David Manners premieres. Directed by Karl Freund, the film is the first horror movie to feature a mummy.
1958
“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” written by Ross Bagdasarian (also known as David Seville) and performed by the animated characters, The Chipmunks, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore reach #1 on the music charts. Released only weeks before, it would become a holiday favorite for generations.
2019
During a New Orleans Saints versus Tennessee Titans game, Saint wide receiver Michael Thomas set an NFL record for most catches in a season. He made his 144th catch and the Saints went on to win 38-28. The previous record was held by Marvin Harrison set in 2002.
December 22nd Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Katharina “Käthe” Paulus – 1868
The German aeronaut achieved great heights when she invented the first collapsible parachute. During her career, she also invented a drag ‘chute or a small parachute to help drag the main parachute out of the bag.
Arthur W. Mitchell – 1883
In 1935, Mitchell became the first African American elected to Congress on the Democratic ticket. He served in the House of Representatives for Illinois over four terms.
St. Elmo Brady – 1884
In 1916, Brady became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Following his studies, he proceeded to establish curricula for undergraduate and graduate programs at Tuskegee, Howard University, Fisk University, and Tougaloo College.
Claudia Alta Taylor – 1912
The 38th First Lady of the United States is better known as Lady Bird Johnson. However, she began her role in Washington as the Second Lady to Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. On November 22, 1963, Mrs. Johnson and the Vice President were in the car behind President Kennedy and the First Lady when the shots were fired. That day, Mrs. Johnson’s life also changed.
Barbara Billingsley – 1915
The actress is best known for her role as June Cleaver on the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver.
Jerry Pinkney – 1939
Throughout his career, Jerry Pinkney has illustrated some of the most beloved children’s classics. His work has been recognized by numerous awards including five Caldecott Honor Medals and five Coretta Scott King Awards.