Almonds One
of Nature’s Perfect Food
Raw almonds have been an
important part of the world’s food supply since at least the Early Bronze Age
(approximately 3000 BC). Prior to the almond’s domestication, wild almonds were
frequently harvested for food. In 1753, a Swedish botanist named Carolus Linnaeus
classified the cultivated almond and named it Amygdalus communis L. However,
botanists continued to refine and redefine naming conventions and the
scientific name of the almond changed several times. Sweet almonds, the type
eaten today, were separated from bitter almonds, and are now scientifically
known as Prunis dulcis.
The Traveling Raw Almond
The Traveling Raw Almond
The earliest almonds
appear to have their roots in central and southwestern Asia. Almonds are
closely related to peaches and possibly share a common ancestor. As nomads
traveled throughout the region, they came to realize that almond trees produced
kernels that were sweet and easy to carry. The accessibility of almonds to a
variety of travelers led to the dramatic growth of the almond species.
Almonds reproduce easily, taking root nearly anywhere that they are dropped, provided that the soil and weather conditions are right. Over time, almond stands started to appear throughout major trade centers and their accompanying roadways. According to the Blue Diamond Growers’ Almond History fact sheet, it is known that by 2000 BC almonds had found their way to what is now Israel. By this time, almonds were also in use throughout modern-day Iran and Iraq, Romania, Turkey and most other ancient civilizations. As trade routes spread, so did the almond. They eventually found their way to the Mediterranean around the time of Alexander the Great.
Almonds reproduce easily, taking root nearly anywhere that they are dropped, provided that the soil and weather conditions are right. Over time, almond stands started to appear throughout major trade centers and their accompanying roadways. According to the Blue Diamond Growers’ Almond History fact sheet, it is known that by 2000 BC almonds had found their way to what is now Israel. By this time, almonds were also in use throughout modern-day Iran and Iraq, Romania, Turkey and most other ancient civilizations. As trade routes spread, so did the almond. They eventually found their way to the Mediterranean around the time of Alexander the Great.
According to
the Almond History fact sheet from Blue Diamond Growers, King Tutankhamen was
known to have taken almonds to the grave. Throughout the Bible, almonds appear
to be a symbol of hope, value and even rebirth. Since Biblical times, almonds
have figured prominently in a variety of art mediums, again as a symbol of hope
and rebirth. Romans thought of the almond as a fertility charm, showering
newlyweds in the way that we now use rice or birdseed.
Almonds were imported to the New World with the Franciscan Padres in the late 18thcentury. A series of missions were established throughout California in those years, and some almond trees were planted. However, it was not until a century later that commercial production of almonds would occur in the United States.
In or around 1840, almond production was attempted in the East Coast region of the United States. Attempts were also made to grow almonds in parts of Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. It was thought that the genetic similarity to the peach would allow almonds to grow readily in these areas. However, it was quickly discovered that early frost killed almond trees. When almonds made it back to California, with its Mediterranean climate, the commercial industry was born. By the turn of the century, California was positioned as a leading supplier of almonds.
Today, California remains the major producer of the world’s supply of almonds. Other popular production centers are located throughout the Mediterranean. Bitter almonds are not commercially grown in California, but hail mostly from Spain and Italy. Bitter almonds contain the compound amygdalin, which breaks down to a form of cyanide when chewed or crushed.
Almonds were imported to the New World with the Franciscan Padres in the late 18thcentury. A series of missions were established throughout California in those years, and some almond trees were planted. However, it was not until a century later that commercial production of almonds would occur in the United States.
In or around 1840, almond production was attempted in the East Coast region of the United States. Attempts were also made to grow almonds in parts of Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. It was thought that the genetic similarity to the peach would allow almonds to grow readily in these areas. However, it was quickly discovered that early frost killed almond trees. When almonds made it back to California, with its Mediterranean climate, the commercial industry was born. By the turn of the century, California was positioned as a leading supplier of almonds.
Today, California remains the major producer of the world’s supply of almonds. Other popular production centers are located throughout the Mediterranean. Bitter almonds are not commercially grown in California, but hail mostly from Spain and Italy. Bitter almonds contain the compound amygdalin, which breaks down to a form of cyanide when chewed or crushed.
These almonds are
processed to destroy the amygdalin, however.
Ban on Raw Almonds
Ban on Raw Almonds
Traditionally, almonds
have been enjoyed raw as well as cooked. However, salmonella scares in 2001 and
2004 led to new legislation in the United States. According to the Almond Board
of California’s Food Quality and Safety website, effective September 1, 2007,
raw almonds will no longer be sold or produced in the United States. However,
the Almond Board of California in conjunction with the United States Department
of Agriculture has developed several methods of pasteurization. Pasteurization
processes, which range from steaming to propylene oxide treatment, are said to
have no adverse effect on the taste or quality of raw almonds.
Almonds have a long history of commercial trade and private consumption, long believed to symbolize everything from hope to rebirth to even fertility. The almond has long been prized and even revered in many cultures. In modern times, scientific evidence shows almonds to be worthy of this adoration, comprising one of nature’s most simple yet perfect foods.
Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds have a long history of commercial trade and private consumption, long believed to symbolize everything from hope to rebirth to even fertility. The almond has long been prized and even revered in many cultures. In modern times, scientific evidence shows almonds to be worthy of this adoration, comprising one of nature’s most simple yet perfect foods.
Health Benefits of Almonds
The British Journal of
Nutrition has published multiple studies of the health benefits of almonds.
Almonds are high in monounsaturated fat, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E.
The British studies show that this combination can lower cholesterol and
protect against high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. In turn, this
can lead to a lower risk of heart disease. Further studies show additional
health benefits of almonds, from stabilizing after-meal blood sugar spikes in
diabetics to helping in weight stabilization. Of course, all food-related
research should be regarded carefully, as conflicting studies often cause
confusion in today’s health-oriented times.
Marzipan is
a traditional Christmas food in much of Europe and Latin America, and is eaten
at other times by some other cultures. Marzipan is made of sugar and ground
almonds, with other ingredients sometimes added. Marzipan is highly workable,
often formed into shapes and painted with food coloring.
Almonds are commonly used in a variety of baked goods and candies. Many people who are allergic to most nuts find that they can tolerate almonds, possibly because the almond is not a true nut. In any event, almonds can be used in place of other nuts in virtually any recipe. Brownies, cakes and other baked goods recipes may not call for nuts, but many cooks enjoy adding a handful of almonds in either the baked item or the frosting.
Almonds have been a part of the world’s food supply since prehistoric times. Healthy, flavorful and useful in many ways, almonds can be considered one of nature’s perfect foods. Production and harvesting techniques have changed dramatically over the course of time, but almond consumption has never waned. Almonds will likely continue in popularity for many decades to come.
Almonds are commonly used in a variety of baked goods and candies. Many people who are allergic to most nuts find that they can tolerate almonds, possibly because the almond is not a true nut. In any event, almonds can be used in place of other nuts in virtually any recipe. Brownies, cakes and other baked goods recipes may not call for nuts, but many cooks enjoy adding a handful of almonds in either the baked item or the frosting.
Almonds have been a part of the world’s food supply since prehistoric times. Healthy, flavorful and useful in many ways, almonds can be considered one of nature’s perfect foods. Production and harvesting techniques have changed dramatically over the course of time, but almond consumption has never waned. Almonds will likely continue in popularity for many decades to come.
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