Description
The almond (Prunus dulcis) is a species of trees native to the Middle East and South Asia. It is now mostly grown commercially in California, Australia, Spain, and Chile. The almond tree grows stone fruits, which consist of an outer fleshy part, surrounding a hardened shell, which contains with a kernel. Like the tree itself, this kernel is called almond.
Almonds are predominantly sweet, but may also come with a bitter flavour. They are consumed all over the world and appear as an ingredient in a variety of foods. Along with other nuts, almonds may be part of a cereal breakfast or sprinkled over desserts. Moreover, they are a key ingredient in delicacies such as marzipan, nougat, turrón or macaroons. Almonds can also be processed into almond butter, milk or oil.
Apart from being a good source of magnesium, Almonds are the tree nut with the highest percentage of protein, fibre, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Containing lots of fibres and protein, almonds help provide a satisfied feeling after a snack of meal, making it a suitable ingredient for a anyone on a diet. Moreover, due the good fats, almonds help keeping cholesterol on safe levels.
With billions of pounds grown and consumed annually, the almond is the most popular nut in the world.
The almond (Prunus dulcis) is a species of trees native to the Middle East and South Asia. It is now mostly grown commercially in California, Australia, Spain, and Chile. The almond tree grows stone fruits, which consist of an outer fleshy part, surrounding a hardened shell, which contains with a kernel. Like the tree itself, this kernel is called almond.
Almonds are predominantly sweet, but may also come with a bitter flavour. They are consumed all over the world and appear as an ingredient in a variety of foods. Along with other nuts, almonds may be part of a cereal breakfast or sprinkled over desserts. Moreover, they are a key ingredient in delicacies such as marzipan, nougat, turrón or macaroons. Almonds can also be processed into almond butter, milk or oil.
Apart from being a good source of magnesium, Almonds are the tree nut with the highest percentage of protein, fibre, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Containing lots of fibres and protein, almonds help provide a satisfied feeling after a snack of meal, making it a suitable ingredient for a anyone on a diet. Moreover, due the good fats, almonds help keeping cholesterol on safe levels.
With billions of pounds grown and consumed annually, the almond is the most popular nut in the world.
Contact
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Varieties
There are many different varieties of almonds, some of which are grown in multiple regions. Most common in California are Nonpareil, Sonora, Peerles, Price, Carmel, Butte, Padre, Mission, Monterrey and Fritz. Australia mainly grows Price, Nonpareil and Carmel. The latter two can also be found in Chile. Spain grows other varieties, such as Valencias, Marconas, Larguettas and Ferragnes.
Each variety has its own ideal harvesting time. These can be up to as much as 60 days apart from each other.
Sizes
The sizes of almonds are measured by the amount of kernels in an ounce. The following sizes are most common: 18/20, 20/22, 23/25, 25/27, 27/30, 30/32, 32/34, 34/36.
Processed
Almonds may be sliced, silvered, diced or ground.
Whole kernels are consumed as a snack, in which case they might be roasted or favoured. Split kernels are often put on cookies. Slivered, almonds are an ingredient for bakery products or the well-known Magnum Almond. Diced, or as meal of flour, they are an ingredient for bakery products.
Nutrients
| Proximates | Units |
|
| Energy | kcal | 579 |
| Protein | g | 21,15 |
| Carbohydrate | g | 21,55 |
| Fiber | g | 12,5 |
| Lipids |
|
|
| Total fat | g | 49,93 |
| Saturated fat | g | 3,802 |
| Monounsaturated fat | g | 31,551 |
| Polyunsaturated fat | g | 12,329 |
| Cholesterol | mg | 0 |
| Minerals |
|
|
| Calcium | mg | 269 |
| Iron | mg | 3,71 |
| Magnesium | mg | 270 |
| Phosphorus | mg | 481 |
| Potassium | mg | 733 |
| Sodium | mg | 1 |
| Selenium | mcg | 4,1 |
| Vitamins |
|
|
| Vitamin A | IU | 2 |
| Vitamin B6 | mg | 0,137 |
| Vitamin C | mg | 0 |
| Vitamin E | mg | 25,63 |
| Vitamin K | mcg | 0 |
| Carotene, beta | mcg | 1 |
| Carotene, alpha | mcg | 0 |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | mcg | 0 |
| Lutein + zeanxanthin | mcg | 1 |
Origins
Almonds are mainly grown in the USA, Australia, Spain, Chile, Greece, Portugal, Tunisia and Turkey.
Crop
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern | ||||||||||||
| Southern |