The flavor of the moment: Almond

The origin of this nut

Almonds are the fruit of the almond tree, native to the Middle East and Central Asia. Almond trees are one of the oldest fruit trees cultivated by man. Their history goes back some thousands of years. Almond trees were then introduced to many parts of the world through travel and trade. The Egyptians made it a staple food that could be given as an offering.

Today, the world’s leading almond producer is California. There are two varieties of this fruit: sweet almonds and bitter almonds.

Sweet almonds are the most widely consumed nowadays. Bitter almonds, on the other hand, contain toxic compounds and are almost never eaten raw.

Almonds are harvested in two stages. Fresh almonds are picked in July, before the fruit is fully ripe. This fragile fruit is harvested in small quantities. The fruit ripens some time later and is harvested in September. One of the most delicate steps is pollination. Almond trees have many flowers, but even fertilized flowers don't necessarily produce almonds.

Nowadays there are several types of almond: whole almonds, slivered almonds, powdered almonds and also almond butter.

What are the benefits of almonds ?

Almonds are very nutritious fruit and offer numerous benefits. It is important to eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet given their high fat content.

Almonds are rich in essential nutrients such as healthy fats, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They support digestion and weight management.

Almonds have the highest protein content of all nuts. They contain the amino acid arginine, known for its cardioprotective properties.

Almonds also have an ecological impact. Their cultivation requires a lot of water, which has given rise to some environmental concerns, particularly in California. Almonds growers have therefore had to find innovative, sustainable farming practices. The cultivation of this nut is becoming increasingly environmentally friendly.

In which products is the almond flavor found?

Almond flavor is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. It can add sweetness to recipes.

Today, almonds can be found in many products, such as almond milk, a vegan alternative to cow’s milk.

Bitter almond extract is a flavoring ingredient found mainly in cake, cookie and dessert mixes. It is often added to recipes to enhance the flavor of the application.

Main associations with almond flavor

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