Almonds Benefits and Usages
Almonds are the fruit of the almond tree. It is a tree native to Iran and belonging to the plum family. More precisely, the almond is the kernel of this fruit, which is also edible! But quite difficult to find: the green fruit is only in season for a few weeks in spring and must be eaten before its kernel hardens; that is why it is at its best the same day it is picked. This fruit cannot be eaten when ripe, because its flesh dries out as its kernel grows and ripens.
The United States (more precisely California) is today the world’s largest producer of almonds, which are considered a nut. Along with the peanut (which is actually a legume), the almond is the most popular nut and can be found in many forms as a nut, in sweet or savory products, in butter, flour, marzipan, vegetable drinks, frozen delight, etc.
Season: Almonds are available all year round.
Almond Nutrition Facts
Raw Almonds, 1/4 cup (36g)
Calories 208
Fat (lipids) 18 g
Carbohydrates 7 g
Sugars 2 g
Fiber 4.2 g
Protein 8 g
Vitamins and Minerals
B2 (Riboflavin), E, ​​Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Calcium, Antioxidants
Almond Yogurt Bowl
Almond Buying Guide
There are several ways to enjoy almonds as nuts:
1- Raw (these have not been roasted, so they have a milder taste)
2- Roasted (these have been heated at a low temperature to enhance their flavor and texture)
3- Blanched (these have been briefly boiled to remove their skins)
4- Sliced ​ (thinly sliced, making them easy to add to recipes as a garnish)
5- Slivered almond (long, crushed pieces)
6- Smoked almond (flavored with smoked ingredients)
7- Tamari almond (flavored with gluten-free soy sauce)
8- Candied (covered in sugar)
9- Chocolate-covered almond.
10- Soak and peel in dates.
Also, you can buy almonds with their shells, which look a lot like the pits of a peach or nectarine. This is normal since they are the same family of fruits! The pits of these fruits are NOT almonds; however, and should not be eaten. Of course, they are in their shells are always raw. The shells are not as hard as those of other nuts, but they still require the use of a nutcracker.
The vast majority of almond varieties on the market are sweet almonds. However, there are bitter almond varieties that can, in rare cases, cause cyanide poisoning. Caution is advised!
Even raw, all almonds that come from the United States have been pasteurized.
Storing Almonds
This dry fruit has a long shelf life (2 years or more at room temperature) but they can eventually go rancid. If they are shriveled and appear dry, they are probably too old. It is not dangerous to eat rancid almonds; the taste is simply unpleasant!
It is important to store almonds in an airtight container, away from light and moisture.
Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds have a multitude of health benefits.
1- Although they are high in calories, they are not associated with weight gain. On the contrary, people who eat nuts, including almonds, daily are healthier and even less likely to die prematurely. They are a nutrient-dense food, full of healthy fats and plant-based proteins.
2- They provides an excellent amount of vitamin E, which is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
3- They are high in manganese and magnesium, which support nutrient metabolism and enzymatic reactions in the body, respectively.
4- These nuts also contain vitamin B2 (riboflavin), copper, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
5- They are also high in dietary fiber, which contributes to feelings of satiety, digestion, diversification of the microbiota, and regulation of blood sugar.
6- They are also full of antioxidants, some of which are found specifically in the peel (so it is best to keep it). Antioxidants are beneficial to general health and support longevity.
7- Almonds are attributed to several benefits: balancing blood sugar levels, reducing bad cholesterol, and reducing high blood pressure.
8- People who eat nuts, including almonds, daily are healthier and are even less likely to die prematurely. They are a food with high nutritional density, full of good fats and plant proteins.
How To Cook Almonds?
In addition to being enjoyed as a snack, they are often an integral part of different breakfast cereals like muesli, granola, etc.
1- They are also often found in soft bars, energy balls and other similar snacks.
2- Sliced ​​or slivered can be added to the dough and toppings of muffins, cakes, quick breads, brioches, cookies, etc.
3- Almond flour can be used to make a pressed pie crust; almonds can be part of a crumble topping.
4- Sliced ​, pan-roasted with butter and parsley, are the topping of choice for sole amandine.
5- Sliced ​​or crushed can be added to rice dishes or curries.
6- Almonds can be added to salads or as a topping on vegetables (e.g. beans or asparagus).
7- Almond flour can be used to make gluten-free and grain-free crackers or bread.
8- Almond flour can also be used in place of breadcrumbs to make a coating on chicken, fish, shrimp, etc.
9- Italian amaretti and biscotti cookies are made with this fruit.
10- Several traditional desserts are made with almonds: macaroons, dacquoise, pithivier, financier, and nougat.
Here Are Also Other Ways To Enjoy Almonds:
You can use sweet almond oil for dressing (in salads, for example) as well as in cosmetic applications.
1- Marzipan is a sweet paste made from almond flour mixed with sugar or honey. It can be used as a topping on cakes and other desserts (much like fondant) or as a stuffing or filling (in almond croissants, among others).
2- Frangipane is a cream made with ground almonds, sugar and butter. It is used to garnish pies and other pastries, such as the traditional galette des rois.
3- Orgeat syrup, a major ingredient in the Mai Tai cocktail, is made with almonds, sugar and orange blossom water.
4- Almond milk is one of the most popular plant-based milks.
5- There is also almond-based plant-based yogurt as well as non-dairy frozen treats (ice cream, ice cream bars, etc.)
6- Almond butter is a great replacement for its cousin peanut butter.
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