Kerala’s colourful harvest festival, Onam, is a time for celebration, happiness, and togetherness. King Mahabali’s yearly return is celebrated with Onam, which is known for its lavish feasts, traditional dances, and floral arrangements.
This year, incorporate a handful of California almonds into the festivities to give them a healthier twist. Despite not being a traditional part of Onam, almonds are a great addition to the festival because of their nutritional value.
California Almonds are a great option for anyone wishing to increase the nutritional value of their Onam feast because they are high in important nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus.
These nutrient-dense nuts can be readily added to a variety of dishes and go well with the traditional Onam Sadhya, a feast of varied vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Almonds can be added to desserts like paal payasam and Parippu Pradhaman or used as a garnish for savoury dishes like kootu curry. Almonds not only provide a delightful crunch but also contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, niacin, and folate.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians by the Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), nuts like almonds can be consumed daily for good health.
Including almonds in the Onam celebration can add both health benefits and flavour to the festivities.
Preparing small gift packs of almonds for friends and family is a thoughtful gesture. These can be beautifully wrapped and presented, symbolising the gift of good health and well-being for the year ahead.
For a healthier snack option during Onam, consider choosing almonds instead of unhealthy choices. Offering a handful of almonds (30 g or about 23 almonds) as a snack provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for better health.
Incorporating almonds into Onam celebrations not only provides a nutritious boost but also helps to promote health and well-being while honouring the spirit of the festival.
