House passes bill for Illinois’ official state nut

Posted on March 23, 2023
The bill is sponsored by State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Given the abundance of possibilities, you would think it would be difficult to select Illinois’ official state nut.

State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington) says that’s not the case. “The wood of the black walnut tree is highly valued by furniture makers for its durability and attractive color, and the nuts themselves provided a nutritious snack for early settlers, and – when ground – created a good meal for baking,” she said. “It is very important to the economy of McLean County, because I have a friend who collects black walnut sap and turns it into a delicious black walnut syrup.”

State Reps. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) and Maurice West II (D-Rockford) gave Chung some customary razzing on the occasion of her first bill, asking whether the pecan or pistachio lobbies had contacted her.

Neither asked why somebody from Bloomington would nominate the black walnut for recognition – when Beer Nuts are made right in their town.

HB 2840 has passed the House, 103-3.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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