Enjoy the Benefits of Almond

Almond scientifically known as Prunus dulcis is native to Middle East and South Asia. The fruit of the almond tree is not a true fruit but a drupe containing outer hull and hard shell with seed inside. The almonds are sold with their shells intact. Blanched almonds are prepared by treating the shelled almonds with hot water and the white embryo is then exposed. It is a deciduous tree attaining a height a height of 10-40 centimeters and the trunk is 30 centimeters in diameter. The young twigs are green in colour but become purplish when exposed to sunlight and attain grayish colouration when they are two years old. The leaves are 3-5 inches long and serrated with 2.5 cm long petiole. The flowers are white or pale pink with five petals and may be borne singly or in pairs just before the spring fall. The almond tree starts producing fruits at the age of 5 years. The fruits mature 7-8 months after flowering.

The global production of almond is about 1.7 million tonnes annually. Two forms of almond tree are known. One produces sweet almond and the other produces bitter ones. The kernel of the sweet almond contains fixed oil and emulsion and was used during early 20th century in medicines. The bitter almond is however more popular in the field of medicine particularly in the aromatherapy. The bitter almond is somewhat broader and shorter than the sweet almond and contains 50% more of the fixed oil. The oil contains an enzyme emulsin which in the presence of water acts on soluble glucoside, amygdalin, yielding glucose, cyanide. The chief component of the oil of bitter almonds is benzaldehyde. Bitter almonds also yield 4-9 mg of hydrogen cyanide per almond. Consumption of bitter almonds along with cyanide may be toxic so the cyanide content must be removed earlier.

Almond may be eaten raw or roasted and is also an important ingredient of many dishes. They are available in different forms like whole, sliced, almond butter, almond milk and almond oil. These different forms are used in different sweets as well as other preparations. Like other nuts they are sprinkled over many sweets and ice-creams. Sweet almonds are used in desserts and nougats. Sweet almonds are also used for the preparation of almond butter similar to peanut butter but less salty in taste. Almonds can be processed for making almond milk which is a suitable choice for lactose intolerant persons and vegans. The soft texture, mild flavor and light colouring of the nut makes it more efficient to carry out this practice on large scale. The Marcona variety of almond is shorter, rounder, sweeter and delicate originated in Spain and is more popularly used by the chefs in making a popular dish called as turron.

Almonds contain approximately 49% of oils of which 62% is monounsaturated oleic acid, 24% linoleic acid and 6% palmitic acid. The oil is insoluble in insoluble in alcohol but is readily soluble in ether and chloroform. Sweet almond oil is obtained from the kernel of sweet almonds. The oil finds good use in massage therapy as well as a wonderful substitute for the olive oil. Sweet almonds contain 26% carbohydrates and are used in making cakes and are good for the individuals suffering from glycosuria. The almond flour is gluten-free so is also good for health. They are rich source of vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich source of monounsaturated acids which is helpful in reducing the LDL cholesterol levels. They are helpful in improving the complexion, firm movement of food through colon as well as also in prevention of cancer. A study suggests that intake of almond elevates high density lipoproteins and lowers the levels of low density lipoproteins. They are considered to be associated with many cultural aspects for example they are state tree of Kashmir. In India almond is considered to be good for brain as well as beauty.

Navodita Maurice

The History Of Almond Tree, 'Prunus Dulcis'

The ancient travelers and traders, who circulated back and forth over the Silk Road route between Greece and Turkey, used almonds in their commercial trading, in exchange for other expensive and desirable goods. Native almond trees, 'Prunius dulcis,' are found growing in Western Asia, and biblical references suggest that almond nuts have been grown in Israel since 2000 B.C. from time immemorial in the ancient land of Canaan; according to the book of Numbers in the Testament. Other references to almonds in the Bible are found in the books of Genesis, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. The Old Testament Bible records the fact of Aaron's staff blossoming and developing into edible almonds, suggested that this divine miracle expressed the approval of God to Aaron and his brother, Moses as acceptable leaders of the Israelites.

Researchers believe that the almonds available on today's markets evolved from an ancient plant in China (Mongolia) that had a bitter kernel, much like the peach kernel. Through selective growing over the centuries, kernels appeared that demonstrated a characteristic sweet, spicy, crunchiness that U.S. almond tree growers prefer over bitterness.

In recent years, almond nuts harvested from trees in California have become an excellent product of considerable importance. The first almond trees sent to the new world to America from Spain in the mid 1700's by Franciscan monks were planted in Spanish monasteries near Sacramento, California. Almond trees are closely related to other stone fruits, such as the cherry, peach, and plum, but it is the stone that forms the food product from the almond, but the fleshy substance that surrounds the pit. The leaves on almond trees are dark green, much like the long narrow leaves on peach trees, a genetically and similar related tree; a closeness that has been confused by many amateur gardeners, but the edible fruit parts are entirely and unmistakably different.

The almond tree is appreciated as one of the most beautiful flowering trees known in horticulture. The almond trees begin to flower early in the spring, reliably being loaded with beautiful rosy flowers on the leafless branches of the trees.

The U.S., agricultural, almond tree authorities report that 6000 almond growers cultivate approximately 450,000 acres of almond trees, supplying all of the U.S. domestic market and 70% of the world supply and are being distributed and sold to 90 nations.

Most nut tasters and food gourmets agree that the pecan is a much more desirable nut in respect to the flavor, cost of production edge, and an available supply over almonds, but the aggressive and cooperative superior marketing promotion of the Almond Nut Association has left the bureaucratic and limp marketing strategies of the Southern Pecan Association far behind. One advantage gained by almond tree promoters is that all European and Mideastern countries grew and used almonds in their food supply for centuries, and pecan promoters have not properly distributed and advertised this American product to massive exposure and those foreign markets to the sampling of the pecan that is necessary to be successful. Pecans also offer tremendous benefits to healthy bodies since their kernels contain extreme concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, that are so high in antioxidants, and they protect the heart by removing clogging cholesterols that interfere with blood flow in veins and arteries. The distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds make this nut a prime ingredient in candy, pies, cakes, treats for salting, toasting, and dipping in various kinds of icings. Marketable products of almonds are almond butter; which tastes like and resembles peanut butter; almond extract; an oil extracted from the nuts that is used as a potent flavoring, almond flour; used like flour in cakes and pastries, and almond paste; used in the preparation of confections and candies.

Almonds are used as a health benefit due to the cholesterol free fatty acids that reduce the risks of heart disease. Vitamin E is beneficially concentrated in almonds, which reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, acting as an antioxidant-further reducing inflammation. We suggest growing your own almond trees for enjoyment, entertainment, and health benefits from eating the almonds, as well as the exercise that is spent in growing your own trees.

Learn more about various plants, or purchase ones mentioned in this article by visiting the author's website: TyTy Nursery