Almonds
It appears that almonds are classified in the plum family, and we call them nuts because they are actually the seed of the fruit. Today, almonds are widely grown in China, the Mediterranean, California, Central Asia, Crimea, the Caucasus, and many other places. It is good to know that the tree produces two types of fruit – sweet and bitter. The sweet ones produce the nuts that are widely used in cooking, oils, and flour production. The bitter variety are not used for food, but are usually pressed for oil. If you ever get the chance, try fresh almonds, which are only available for about 8 weeks from late April until the middle of June; therefore, they are considered a delicacy. In Turkey, they are eaten on their own, in southern France they are ground into soup with garlic, and the Spanish add them to their gazpacho.
Almonds are mentioned in the Bible, and they were used widely by the Romans, who viewed them as a fertility symbol and a powerful aphrodisiac that could awaken even the weakest libido. Lovers in India and Arab countries would eat a handful of almonds on their first night. In Russia, vodka would be poured over almonds to create powerful drinks. Even today, almonds continue to be part of wedding rituals in many counties – flowering almonds are a popular decoration in the US and signify wealth, health, and love for the newlyweds. In Sweden, whole almonds are placed in Christmas puddings.
Countries around the world use almonds in their cuisine. The Spanish use almonds for their white version of gazpacho. Bitter almonds are used in place of spices in China, especially in Peking Duck, fish dishes, and pork. In India, they are fried in oil along with fiery eastern spices and added to homemade yogurt. One of the most famous pastry additions – marzipan – is unimaginable without almonds.
Almonds are also one of healthiest nuts. They have many of the B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and protein. It’s a great source of vitamin E, which helps reduce the risk of cancer. Calcium levels in almonds are higher than in milk and are suggested for pregnant women. It’s good for kids to loosen bowels and stimulate appetite. It also helps reduce sore throats and pneumonia and is a calmer of nerves.
Purchase high quality almonds, which are stored in the dark and in a closed container. Loose almonds should only be bought in shops that have high turnover to ensure they do not sit long and they are fresh. Almonds should smell sweet and nutty. Freshness can be tested by cutting them in half – if the centre is white, it’s fresh. If it’s yellowish, it’s not.
Store in an airtight container. If stored away from other ingredients in a dark, cool place, they can sit for up to 2 years. Toasted, salted almonds also need to be stored in a closed container in a dark place.
