NUTS. Wow, there are so many different directions this blogpost could go in 😆…
⬆️ Each of my original pics in the photo carousel above serves as a symbolic portal to all kinds of historic and contemporary intel on this wide ranging and ages old food source for so many mammals, humans included of course — who consume nuts of all kinds raw, roasted, toasted, candied, baked into pies and morphed into other mediums like crackers or creamy spreads…
Nuts have been a vital food source for humans the world over for thousands of years, treasured for their health benefits as a source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals. So clearly there’s a whole lot of food history there. Early hunter-gatherers relied on them for their rich nutrient density and portability. Further along the timeline ancient cultures began domesticating and cultivating certain nut varieties.
In early America, African Americans (enslaved and Emancipated) were the nations first nut candy creators and vendors all along the Eastern seaboard. Black Culinarians were lauded for creative applications of nuts in pies, candies and cakes….
PS. Peanuts are not a nut variety FYI. Technically they are the seeds of legumes (in the bean family)…