Happy National Almond Day from the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve!

Did you know that June 30th isn't just another day on the calendar? It's National Almond Day, a time to celebrate this crunchy little powerhouse! Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we appreciate all things unique and a bit mysterious, and almonds certainly fit the bill.

These tasty treats boast a rich history, dating back millennia. They were cultivated in the Middle East as early as 3000 BC, and their journey to our pantries is shrouded in a touch of legend. According to some stories, almonds were carried westward on the mythical griffin's back – a powerful creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. While we may not encounter griffins at the Haberdashery (yet!), we do have our fair share of fascinating residents who appreciate a good snack.

But beyond their fantastical origins, almonds are celebrated for their versatility and health benefits. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they're a delicious way to stay energized throughout the day. Here at the Preserve, we even incorporate them into special treats for our more herbivorous cryptids – after all, everyone deserves a healthy (and tasty!) National Almond Day celebration.

So, how can you celebrate National Almond Day, Haberdashery style? Here are a few ideas:

• Snack on some almonds! Plain, roasted, chocolate-covered – the choice is yours!

• Bake something delicious! From almond biscotti to almond flour muffins, there's a recipe out there for everyone.

• Learn more about almonds! Did you know California is the leading producer of almonds in the U.S.?

• Share your love of almonds with others! Gift a bag of almonds to a friend or bake them some almond-y treats.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, let's raise a metaphorical handful of almonds to this delicious and fascinating nut!