Almond

It is highly probable that the almond tree originated in southwest Asia from Anatolia to Uzbekistan. Today almond plantations can be found in the USA, the Mediterranean region, Australia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. Pakka almonds come from the valleys of the Karakorum Mountains in northern Pakistan.

The almond tree is robust, likes stony soils, sunny slopes and altitudes between 700 and 1700 m.a.s.l. Strictly speaking, almonds are not nuts but kernels and therefore belong to the stone fruits. The blossoming time, the harvest time and the size of the almond depend on the altitude of the growing area. The typical almond tree in Pakistan is a mixture of wild, old varieties with relatively small fruits.

Health benefits

Almonds …

have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and fibre. Dietary fibres support a normal digestion.
are considered a source of protein. They contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
are rich in vitamin E, which helps to protect cells from oxidative stress.
are considered a source of magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals contribute to normal energy metabolism and to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.
are a source of zinc. Zinc helps to maintain normal skin, hair and nails.

Care should be taken with raw bitter almonds. A distinction is made between bitter and sweet almonds, depending on their content of bitter almond oil. The former contain the poisonous prussic acid glycoside amygdalin and taste bitter and tart.

Source: SR 817.022.16 Verordnung des EDI vom 16. Dezember 2016 betreffend die Information über Lebensmittel (LIV)

Small kitchen guide

Almonds are used for baking cakes and biscuits and for making marzipan and nougat. When processed into nutmeg, almonds help thicken sauces or refine desserts and thus offer a tasty, vegan alternative to dairy products. In their raw form, almonds are the ideal, healthy snack for in-between meals.

Storage

Nuts in shell should be stored dry, cool and airy, preferably in nets. This way they can be stored for several months. Since almonds have a lower fat content in comparison, they can be stored longer than other nuts. Whole, roasted and seasoned almonds should be stored protected from oxygen and sunlight at ideally 15 degrees. Closed, opaque packaging is particularly suitable for this.

Source: Schwarz, G. (2012). Gesund mit Nüssen. Herbig, München.