What are Almonds?
Almonds, one of the favored nuts in modern day, is native to southwestern Asia but mainly cultivated in California (In fact, 80% of all the supply of almonds worldwide come from California!). The nuts are closely related to cherries, plums and peaches as they are stone fruits produced on trees. Almonds are surrounded by a fuzzy hull that when broken open reveals the nut.
There are many reasons that almonds have quickly become a healthy snack of choice among people in recent times. The nuts are made up of beneficial vitamin E & B complex vitamins with a good amount of fiber and essential minerals. These tiny crunchy enjoyments don’t only fill your stomach but deliver nutrients with each bite!
Since the almond has been around since 1400 AD, it’s no wonder there is a rich history associated with the nut. The Romans would shower newlyweds with the nut as they believed it a charm for fertility. In ancient Egypt, women would burn the almonds and use the ashy remnants as an eyebrow coloring.
Almond Products
Almonds are pretty versatile and can be found in their true form, powdered as a flour, or as an oil. No matter the form, the benefits of the almond are ever-present. Here at Piping Rock, we have the following Almond Products at your disposal:
- Almond Flour
- Almonds, Raw Unsalted
- Almonds, Roasted and Salted
- Sliced Almonds
- Slivered Almonds
- Almond Extract
Ways to Enjoy Almonds
There are endless ways to enjoy almonds—okay maybe not literally endless, but definitely a lot! You can use almonds in dessert recipes to add a nutty flavor to contrast with sugary sweetness; sliced almonds make for a delicious topping in place of croutons on a salad; almond extract is a terrific, natural sweetener for baking with. All it takes is a bit of imagination and you can spice up any dish with a handful of these yummy nuts!
Want a quick, easy snack? Try our recipe with almonds for a delightful trail mix!: http://blog.pipingrock.com/4-trailmix-recipes-youll-go-nuts-for/
