Brought to you by the Almond Board of California

Almond Board of California: Did you know that nuts are fruits? That is, all nuts except peanuts, which are actually legumes more closely related to peas and beans. The misleading name may explain why peanuts spent years as America’s favorite “nut,” replaced in 2012 by almonds. In fact, almonds are so popular these days that they rank as the largest U.S. specialty crop export, according to the Almond Board of California.

American Pistachio Growers: When California faced a rash of nut thefts late last year, several groups, including the American Pistachio Growers, convened an emergency summit to stem further heists. While the issue proved difficult to crack, it’s certainly a serious one: A single theft in November involved 40,000 pounds of pistachios worth nearly half a million dollars.

Northern Nut Growers Association, Inc.: Nuts used to get a bad rap. Given their relatively high fat content, many nuts were no-nos for people on low-fat diets. But these days, nuts are often touted as nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthful fats. According to research cited by the Northern Nut Growers Association, Inc., eating 1.5 ounces of nuts a day as part of a healthy diet can work to reduce the risk of heart disease.