The almond belongs to the stone fruit, because it is the core of a fruit. Originally it comes from Asia, but nowadays it grows equally in Spain, Italy and America, for example. Eating almonds has been popular in the past to cure various diseases, because they have health benefits.
This is what you should know about almonds
Almond belongs to stone fruit, because it is the core of a fruit. Originally, it comes from Asia. The almond belongs to the genus of the rose family and has been cultivated for about 4000 years. Almond trees grow up to six meters high and prefer a mild climate. In spring, the pink and white flowers appear. The small, elongated fruits that develop from them in midsummer can be harvested once a year. Inside them is the almond seed, which is packed in a shell. These are elongated, egg-shaped drupes with a gray, leathery fruit shell. A distinction is made between two types of almonds: The sweet and the bitter almond. The latter hardly differ from the sweet drupes in external appearance, but they are unsuitable for human consumption because they contain the prussic acid-containing glycoside amygdakine. The exclusive cultivation of bitter almonds on designated plantations serves the purpose of obtaining bitter almond oil, which is freed from prussic acid compounds and used to flavor liqueurs. In small quantities it is also used for the production of bakery products such as marzipan. The harvesting period of sweet almonds is usually from August to October. This is usually done by machine. Afterwards, the shell is removed or at least scored to prevent mold from forming. The fruits are dried in warehouses, silos or outdoors. The almond has a slightly bitter, nutty and somewhat sweet taste.
Importance for health
The almond provides valuable antioxidants and gives abundant nutrients and energy. Regular consumption can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Just 20 grams a day is enough to cut the risk in half. The cholesterol level is also lowered by the almond. The high content of folic acid is particularly important during pregnancy. The mineral magnesium, for example, helps maintain normal bones and teeth, reduce fatigue, maintain muscle function and normal electrolyte balance. Vitamin E, which is found in almonds, protects the cells of the body from oxidative stress. Some ingredients generally strengthen the immune system and have a preventive effect against cancers and gastrointestinal disorders. Thanks to the high content of fiber and unsaturated fatty acids, moderate consumption of almonds is also suitable for dieting, because they regulate appetite and saturate quickly and persistently.
Ingredients and nutritional values
| Nutritional information |
Amount per 100 gram |
| Calories 576 | Fat content 49 g |
| Cholesterol 0 mg |
Sodium 1 mg |
| Potassium 705 mg | Carbohydrates 22 g |
| Protein 21 g |
Vitamin C 0 mg |
Almonds have a high nutritional value, because 100 grams contain about 580 calories. They are also rich in protein, almond oil, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates, but they contain little sugar. Almonds are one of the favorite ingredients of vegans, because with almost 20 percent there is about as much protein in them as in mozzarella cheese. The skin that surrounds the almond contains many antioxidants and fiber. Almonds consist of high-quality fat, which, thanks to its positive composition, regulates the metabolism instead of burdening it. Almonds are also a very good source of B vitamins, vitamin E and beta-carotene. In addition, they provide the body with twice as much of the bone-strengthening mineral calcium as yogurt does and twice as much of the blood-building iron as lean lamb does. Other valuable ingredients include the trace minerals zinc, fluorine and selenium.
Intolerances and allergies
Since almonds are difficult to digest, they must be chewed thoroughly so that they do not remain in the stomach for so long and do not leave the body almost unused. When buying sweet almonds are also single bitter specimens.Up to five percent is considered safe, but a higher amount can be life-threatening for children. In addition, almonds that have been poorly stored can contain traces of aflatoxin, the carcinogenic mold toxin. Optimal storage is therefore very important. Anyone who is hypersensitive to salicylic acid, the natural preservative, should not eat almonds.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Almonds with shells are mainly offered at Christmas time. When stored in a cool, dry and dark place, they have a shelf life of approximately nine months. When purchasing, the shake test can help determine if they are fresh almonds. If the kernels rattle in the shells, they are already old and shriveled and should not be chosen. The hard shell should be dry and undamaged. It is advisable to buy loose kernels instead of packaged ones. The reason is: Moisture can form in the packaging, which promotes mold infestation, resulting in the carcinogenic aflatoxin. Almonds that are already crushed can be purchased year-round. The best-before date printed on the plastic bag in which they are usually found should be strictly observed. If opened packages are always tightly closed, the flavor is preserved for six months. If stored improperly, the fat quickly becomes rancid, making the almonds inedible.
Preparation tips
The almond is good for nibbling, for making baked goods such as marzipan, and for desserts. The roasted almond likes to serve as a flavor carrier. For example, it goes very well with meat and fish dishes and harmonizes perfectly with fresh salads. They can also be used to garnish desserts. They are also popular for ice cream. For sports and school, almonds are a source of energy rich in vitamins and minerals. Roasted almonds are a popular crunchy sweet, especially at Christmas markets. Caramelized almonds are tempting. Ground, chopped and sliced almonds are primarily used in the kitchen. They can be used, for example, to bake cookies and cakes. It is also a classic to make nougat and almond liqueur from the almonds. The delicate almond paste inspires as a spread. In cosmetics, the oils of the almond are very popular. The nourishing substances are contained in numerous care products and provide here primarily for a velvety skin shimmer. In almond bran, the valuable ingredients cleanse the skin, and when drunk as an oil, they have a mild laxative effect. The various vitamins, for example vitamins A, B and E, as well as the oils have a healing and cooling effect in almond milk, for example on light abrasions or dry skin. In many creams, the almond oils provide a firmer skin.