Nuts. Those little crunchy wonders that somehow find their way into everything—from decadent desserts to savoury stews and, let’s be honest, the bottom of your handbag. But did you know that nuts have been shaping global cuisine for centuries? Yup, long before they were sprinkled over smoothie bowls and marketed as “guilt-free snacks,” nuts were busy being the MVPs of the culinary world.

From Ancient Warriors to Your Lunchbox

Once upon a time (we’re talking thousands of years ago), nuts were the original energy bars. Ancient Persian soldiers carried pistachios into battle, while Roman gladiators swore by walnuts for strength—because nothing screams “fearsome warrior” like a well-balanced diet. Even in Africa, groundnuts (aka peanuts) weren’t just a snack; they were the backbone of hearty stews that fuelled communities for generations.

Fast forward to today, and we’re still finding ways to sneak nuts into everything. Cashew-based cheese? Macadamia milk? Almond butter on pizza? (Okay, maybe that last one is a crime, but we digress.) The point is, that nuts have stood the test of time—not just as a tasty treat but as a key ingredient in some of the world’s most iconic dishes.

A Global Crunch Fest

Let’s take a quick foodie tour, shall we?

West Africa: Groundnut stew, a rich, peanutty dish that warms the soul and makes you wonder why you ever ate soup without nuts.

Italy: Pesto wouldn’t be pesto without pine nuts—because let’s be real, basil alone won’t cut it.

Thailand: Satay sauce? That creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that makes everything taste better? We owe our deepest gratitude to Thai cuisine.

Middle East: Baklava. Layers of filo pastry, honey, and crushed pistachios—also known as “one more bite, and I swear I’ll stop.”

South Africa: Okay, we’re not exactly famous for nutty dishes, but have you ever had crushed macadamias in a warm malva pudding? Life-changing.

Nuts: The Future of Food?

With the world shifting towards plant-based eating, nuts are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. They’re high in protein, packed with good fats, and—unlike your gym buddy—won’t judge you for eating them straight from the packet. Whether it’s cashew milk in your coffee, almond flour in your brownies, or walnuts replacing mince in tacos, nuts are proving they can do it all.

And let’s not forget seeds, the nut’s underrated cousin. **Sunflower seeds, sesame, chia—**Tiny but mighty, these guys are sneaking into everything from salad dressings to smoothies.

So, What’s Your Favourite Nutty Creation?

Whether you’re a pistachio ice cream enthusiast, a peanut butter addict, or someone who just enjoys a handful of roasted almonds with your tea, one thing’s for sure: nuts are here to stay.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a date with a bowl of salted mixed nuts. And no, we won’t be sharing.

What’s your favourite way to enjoy nuts? Let us know in the comments!