Almonds

Almonds are the seeds of a fruit tree that is a relative of the rose family. Most commercially grown almond trees are grafted to the stumps of peach
trees (rootstock), making them more resistant to pests. Prunus dulcis, meaning “sweet almond,” is the commonly consumed version of almonds.
“Bitter” almond contains a toxic chemical called hydrocyanic acid that can be deadly to humans if eaten raw. When heated, this chemical is
destroyed, making the bitter almond safe to consume. Sweet almonds, the most consumed tree nuts in the United States, comprise sixty-two
percent of the nut market.

Where Are They Grown?
The United States provides eighty-eight percent of worldwide almond production with California growing the bulk of the U.S. supply. They are also
grown in Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

Home Remedies
Almonds have been used in hopes of curing cancer, ulcers, and corns, and reducing symptoms associated with consuming too much alcohol.

Tips on Using Almonds
• Look for almonds in the shell that don’t rattle when you shake them. Rattling may be a sign that the almonds are old.
• Fresh almonds are white throughout. One that is yellow or has a honeycomb look to it may mean the nut has turned rancid.
• Green almonds are available for three weeks in the spring. They have a fuzzy green hull and a jellylike center. They are great on a salad or plain
with a dash of sea salt.
• Look in the baking aisle, the snack aisle, and the produce section of the supermarket for many types of almonds. Look for one-ounce snack
packs of whole almonds, or other on-the-go containers. Choose slivered, sliced, chopped, or ground almonds to use in recipes.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Unopened, containers of almonds can be kept in the refrigerator or a cool pantry for up to two years. Once opened, they should be kept in an
airtight container and consumed within three months.

PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
• Roasting almonds before serving them brings out their rich flavor.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds on granola, cold cereal, or yogurt for breakfast or for a healthy anytime snack.
• Spread almond butter on an English muffin or toast. Almond butter, sold by the jar, is available next to peanut butter, jams, and jellies at many
supermarkets and health food stores.
• Use almond milk in breakfast smoothies or on cereal. You’ll find it in an unrefrigerated box next to the soy milk section at the supermarket.
• Munch on some almond trail mix or snack mix.
• Roast whole almonds with kosher salt and a variety of herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, or cardamom for some
kick.
• Add slivered almonds to rice, couscous, other grain dishes, and pasta.
• Use ground almond meal for a healthy “breading” for fish or poultry.