About Almonds
Many people believe that the almond is a nut, when in all actuality it is a drupe (which is technically a type of fruit). The English word almond is derived from the French amande, which in turn is a derivative of the old Latin word for almond amygdalus meaning "tonsil plum." Almond Trees
The almond tree is a deciduous tree which can grow as high as 10 meters. The leaves of the almond tree are broad and serrated, and the sprouting flowers seen in early spring are either white or pale pink. By the time autumn comes (some 7-8 months after flowering), the almond is mature, ripe, and ready to be harvested.
Almond trees become productive and begin bearing fruit after five years. The fruit is mature in the autumn, 7–8 months after flowering.
Almond Production
Global production of raw almonds is around 1.7 million tonnes, with a low of 1 million tonnes in 1995 and a peak of 1.85 million tonnes in 2002 according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) figures; world production of almonds was 1.76 million tonnes in 2006. According to the FAO, major producers are the USA (715623 t, 41%), Spain (220000 t, 13%), Syria (119648 t, 7%), Italy (112796 t, 6%), Iran (108677 t, 6%) and Morocco (83000 t, 5%). Algeria, Tunisia and Greece each account for 3%, Turkey, Lebanon and China each account for 2%. In Turkey, most of the production comes from the Datça Peninsula. In Spain, numerous commercial cultivars of sweet almond are produced, most notably the Jordan almond (imported from Málaga) and the Valencia almond.
In the United States, production is concentrated in California, with California almonds being the states third leading agricultural product and its top agricultural export in 2008. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds and 100% of the U.S. commercial supply. California exported almonds valued at 1.08 billion dollars in 2003, about 70% of total California almond crop.
Almond Consumption
Many times, almonds are toasted before eating; other times they are simply eaten raw. However, there are a wide variety of culinary uses for raw almonds, as well. It is most commonly sprinkled on ice cream sundaes or other desserts such as marzipan, French macaroons, and even more. Almonds can even be processed into "almond milk", which is ideal for vegans and those that are lactose-intolerant, and the drupe can be used to produce "almond syrup". Additionally, the oil of sweet almonds may even be used as a substitute for olive oil.
To complement its wide variety of uses, raw almonds also have a great deal of nutritional value, too. A handful of almonds (28 grams/one recommended serving) are enough to provide the human body with high levels of Vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, apart from being a great source of monounsaturated fat, protein, potassium, and even calcium.
Many times, almonds are toasted before eating; other times they are simply eaten raw. However, there are a wide variety of culinary uses for raw almonds, as well. It is most commonly sprinkled on ice cream sundaes or other desserts such as marzipan, French macaroons, and even more. Almonds can even be processed into "almond milk", which is ideal for vegans and those that are lactose-intolerant, and the drupe can be used to produce "almond syrup". Additionally, the oil of sweet almonds may even be used as a substitute for olive oil.
To complement its wide variety of uses, raw almonds also have a great deal of nutritional value, too. A handful of almonds (28 grams/one recommended serving) are enough to provide the human body with high levels of Vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, apart from being a great source of monounsaturated fat, protein, potassium, and even calcium.
MY REVIEW
My whole family loves to snack on nuts. when the almonds got here meme andi was home. so we tried them first. meme said momma imma go hid the almonds in my room. lol she is too cute. i said why would you do that? she said so we can eat them all. i just laughed at her. she really loved the almonds. i liked them too. my whole family liked the almonds so much. head over and check out just almonds products.
disclaimer: i was given a sample product to try out. i wasnt compensated in any other way for this review. these are all my own opinions.
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