Almond

The almond (Prunus amygdalus, Prunus dulcis) is a species of small tree from the genus Prunus, cultivated worldwide for its seed, a culinary nut. Along with the peach, it is classified in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell surrounding the seed. Almond grows best in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The optimal temperature for their growth is between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F) and the tree buds have a chilling requirement of 200 to 700 hours below 7.2 °C (45.0 °F) to break dormancy.

The almond is a deciduous tree growing to 4–12.2 metres (13–40 feet) in height, with a trunk of up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) in diameter. The young twigs are green at first, becoming purplish where exposed to sunlight, then gray in their second year. The leaves are 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long, with a serrated margin and a 2.5 cm (1 in) petiole. The flowers are white to pale pink, 3–5 cm (1–2 in) diameter with five petals, produced singly or in pairs and appearing before the leaves in early spring. The almond fruit is 3.5–6 cm (1+3⁄8–2+3⁄8 in) long. It is not a nut but a drupe.

While the almond is often eaten on its own, raw or toasted, it is also a component of various dishes. Almonds are available in many forms, such as whole, slivered, and ground into flour. A wide range of classic sweets feature almonds as a central ingredient. Marzipan (a smooth & sweetened almond paste) was developed in the Middle Ages. Since the 19th century almonds have been used to make bread, almond butter, cakes and puddings, candied confections, almond cream-filled pastries, nougat, cookies (macaroons, biscotti and qurabiya), and cakes (financiers, Esterházy torte), and other sweets and desserts.

• Loaded with nutrients

            A 1-ounce (oz), or 28-gram (g), serving of almonds contains:

..

Almond Health Benefits

Almonds are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

• Almonds are loaded with antioxidants. The powerful antioxidants in almonds are largely concentrated in the brown layer of their skin. Almonds are high in antioxidants that can protect your cells from oxidative damage, a major contributor to aging and disease.
• Almonds are high in vitamin E. Almonds are among the world’s best sources of vitamin E. Getting plenty of vitamin E from foods is linked to numerous health benefits.
• Almonds can assist with blood sugar control. Almonds are extremely high in magnesium, a mineral that many people don’t get enough of. High magnesium intake may offer major improvements for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
• Magnesium in almonds also benefits blood pressure levels. Low magnesium levels are strongly linked to high blood pressure, indicating that almonds can help manage blood pressure.
• Almonds can lower cholesterol levels. Eating one or two handfuls of almonds per day can lead to mild reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Almonds prevent harmful oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL (bad) cholesterol can become oxidized, which is a crucial step in the development of atherosclerosis. Snacking on almonds may significantly reduce oxidized LDL.
• Eating almonds reduces hunger. Nuts are high in protein and fiber. Studies show that eating almonds and other nuts can increase fullness and help prevent overeating.
• Almonds may be effective for weight loss. Though almonds are high in calories, eating them doesn’t seem to promote weight gain. Some studies even suggest the opposite, showing that almonds can enhance weight loss.
• Almond oil is good for your skin. Almond oil’s moisturizing properties can help soothe your skin and relieve itching. It's also high in vitamin A, which is thought to help with acne, and vitamin E, which may benefit sun-damaged skin.

Because almonds are so versatile and convenient, it's easy to fit them into your diet. Along with eating them on their own, here are a few ways you can enjoy almonds:

- Add sliced almonds as toppings to your oatmeal, cereal, or salad.

- Enjoy a bag of trail mix with almonds.

- Substitute almond butter for other nut butters.

- Use almond flour instead of traditional flour in baked goods.

- Roast almonds for better texture and flavor. Commercially roasted and flavored varieties of almonds may contain more unhealthy oils and fewer nutritional benefits.

For cooking techniques like sautéing and roasting, you can also use refined almond oil. But the exposure to high heat during the refinement process can destroy some of its natural nutrients.