National Date Nut Bread Day

National Date Nut Bread Day on December 22nd delivers a baker’s delight to celebrate. Date nut bread is a sweet yeast bread (think banana bread) that is filled with, yes, dates and nuts. Date nut bread is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, without being overwhelmingly sweet. For an added punch, cheese frosting is often used as a topping or filling. The dates and nuts help preserve the bread so it will retain its moisture, making it a perfect holiday gift. That is part of the reason why Date Nut Bread Day is celebrated during the festive winter season. The great thing about date nut bread is that you can customize it with your favorites such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and in addition to dates you can mix in raisins, dried cranberries, and more!

Printed recipes for bread go as far back as the 1920s, but bread baked with fruit was eaten in various parts of the world long before that. It is widely believed that date nut bread was originally baked and first became popular in England. There are different traditions for eating date nut bread in countries where it is popular. Britain enjoys a date-and-walnut loaf made with treacle and paired with a cup of tea, of course. The sweet treat is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Scotland.

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. Dates are an excellent healthy treat that are a great source of natural energy and sweetness.

Nuts, as we know, are nutritional powerhouses. 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 because the healthy fats in nuts help lower LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol. Nuts are also a good source of plant based protein, and are terrific for brain health. Today, on Date Nut Bread Day, celebrate by baking or eating date nut bread!