Almond is a fruit that comes from the deciduous almond tree. Almond tree is native to the Eastern Mediterranean region of Western Asia. Almonds are believed to be part of oldest plants to be domesticated.
There are two types of almond plants: One with white flowers that produces sweet almonds and the other with pink flowers that produces bitter almonds.
Known as mlozi or lozi in Swahili, almond trees produce a fruit that consists of an outer hull and an inner hard shell with a nut, almond nut. Almond nuts are believed to have been growing as both sweet and bitter almonds in the wild. Note African almond...
Scientists concluded that early farmers at some point, were able to distinguish between the bitter almond nuts and the sweet almond nuts. This marked the beginning of almonds cultivation.
Today different types of almonds are cultivated in various countries with USA being the largest producer of sweet almonds. Most of the cultivated crop is named based on its region of origin for example Jordan almond.
Bitter almond is considered un-edible and a lot of caution is given in regions where it is consumed, as it contains prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide). Bitter almond is first heated to remove prussic acid, before consumption.
Sweet almonds are nontoxic and edible, favoring them in cultivation. Almonds are available as raw whole nuts, almond oil, almond flour, almond syrup, almond butter and almond milk.
In culinary sweet almonds are used in desserts, Indian curries, sprinkled on ice-creams, smoothies and sundaes. Almond butter is used as bread spread in place of peanut butter. Add them to home baked confectionery, sprinkle them on salads or munch them straight from the package.
Sweet almonds are consumed raw, often (roasted and salted). Almonds are also used in Ayurveda medicinal practices and are highly revered in some cultures. Bitter almonds are used to make food flavorings and cosmetics, but prussic acid has to be removed first.
Nuts are often loaded with good fats, which are great for the body. Nuts - like almonds and walnuts- give you fiber, protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. They also have vitamin E and minerals, like copper, magnesium and manganese.
Some reasons why you should add almonds to your diet:
- Prevents type 2 diabetes
- Helps prevent premature aging
- Reduce risk of Alzheimer disease
- Promotes weight loss, by reducing hunger
- Can assist with blood sugar control
Add your reply
Replies