Almond
Almonds are the seeds of the almond tree, scientifically known as Prunus amygdalus, which is a small bushy deciduous tree prevalent in Asia and North Africa. There are two main types of almonds: sweet almonds, which are edible and commonly found in culinary dishes, and bitter almonds, which are used to produce almond oil and syrup. Sweet almonds are often ground into almond flour, a gluten-free alternative for baking. These seeds are highly regarded for their nutritional benefits, containing vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium, and are linked to heart health and weight management when consumed in moderation.
The almond tree has a rich history, with references found in ancient texts like the Bible and its introduction to California by Franciscan missionaries in the mid-1700s, where it has since become a major export. However, almond cultivation raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage, as each almond requires approximately 1.1 gallons of water, contributing to drought conditions in California. Additionally, the industry relies heavily on honeybees for pollination, and a decline in bee populations poses a significant risk to almond production. Overall, almonds are a versatile and nutritious food item, but their cultivation comes with ecological considerations.
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Almond
Almond is a small bushy deciduous tree that produces sweet or bitter ellipsis-shaped kernels that are also known as almonds. The almond tree is classified as prunus amygdalus, the genus and species of the tree. The trees typically grow in Asia and North Africa. It is a common misconception that the almonds that come from almond trees are nuts, when actually they are the seeds that come from the trees. There are two types of almond trees that produce two different kinds of almonds. Sweet almonds, which often come from the almond trees with white flowers, are edible. Bitter almonds, which often come from the trees with pink flowers, can be made into almond oil and almond syrup, which can be used in cooking. Sweet almonds can also be ground into a dense powder-like substance that can be used to replace flour when baking. The almond also has medicinal uses. Many nutritionists feel that almonds should be a part of a healthy diet if eaten in the correct portion size, and they are most known for helping the heart muscle.
Countries all over the world grow the almond tree, which produces almonds that people consume around the globe. Consumers can purchase almonds toasted, raw, slivered, or covered in flavors. California is the most notable place that exports almonds. It takes an exorbitant amount of water to grow the trees, to the point that some farmers who grow almonds and nuts in California have been advocating against water regulation.
Brief History
There are numerous references to almond trees in the Bible. In the Book of Numbers, there is a reference to almonds when Aaron's rod yields them. In this account, almonds are representative of the divine approval of Aaron by God. Around 100 CE, the Romans threw almonds on newlyweds after their weddings. The almonds symbolized fertility for the new couple. Explorers ate almonds while traveling on the Silk Road between Asia and the Mediterranean. Eventually, almond trees grew in the Mediterranean, especially Italy and Spain.
The Franciscan order of missionaries brought the almond tree to California in the mid-1700s. California is now one of the largest exporters of almonds. It is believed that almond trees were one of the most primitive domesticated fruit trees. Domesticated almond trees appeared between 3000 and 2000 BCE. Another popular reference to the almond is that it was found in Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt.
It takes about eight months to get edible almonds from an almond tree. Their life cycle begins in February and March, when almond trees bloom with light pink or white flowers. Most almond trees are not self-pollinating; therefore, bees are needed to pollinate them. During May and June, the almonds on the trees keep maturing, their shells harden, and a kernel forms. In early August, the hulls begin cracking open and expose the almond so it can dry. From mid-August into October, the almonds are harvested by shaking the trees with mechanical tree shakers and the almonds fall to the ground. Then the almonds dry on the ground for about ten days. After this, machines collect them. The almonds are then deshelled, and machines sort them by size. Almonds are then stored in climate-controlled environments and shipped for distribution.
Overview
Almonds are used often in cooking, and because they come in two types—bitter and sweet— they are considered a versatile food. Sweet almonds must be consumed pasteurized, meaning they are treated for foodborne illnesses. Almonds must be pasteurized because of two salmonella outbreaks that can be traced back to almonds in the early 2000s. Sweet almonds can be toasted and eaten, or they can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Almonds can be used to make marzipan, nougat, cookies, and cakes.
Almonds contain vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and iron. They also contain zinc, selenium, copper, and niacin. Because of these vitamins and minerals, many nutritionists tout the almond as a healthy food item. Various studies have pointed to the numerous health benefits they provide. They have been linked to regulating cholesterol, helping the heart, strengthening the immune system, and boosting energy in people who eat them.
Almonds can be ground into a substance that is very fine and used as a substitute for flour. Almond flour is gluten free and can be used in baking and as part of a low-carbohydrate diet. Almonds can be pressed, creating a by-product called almond milk. This is a dairy alterative that can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant.
Like other nuts and seeds, almonds are high in fat, but they are packed with monounsaturated fat, which makes many people consider them a healthy food. Almonds are high in fiber and considered a good food for people trying to lose weight because they can make people feel full. However, because almonds are high in calories, portion control is very important for people who are eating almonds to try to lose weight. A serving size of almonds is equal to one ounce or about twenty-five almonds.
There are critics who feel that growing almond trees and harvesting the nuts can be detrimental to the environment. As of 2014, the state of California was producing 82 percent of the world's almonds. However, because each almond takes 1.1 gallons of water to produce, critics say that almond production contributes to drought in the state of California. Drought causes many ecological concerns.
Another concern that the almond industry faces is the decreasing numbers in the honeybee population. Honeybees are vital to almond trees because the trees must be pollinated, and bees are the main insects to carry out this process. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the almond industry needs about 1.5 million bee colonies to pollinize the almond trees. Because honeybees have been in short supply in recent years, almond growers are concerned that this shortage will affect the industry.
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