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“Pack the world in with a fistful of Almonds”

Hi everybody! My name is Almond. My native is the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East, eastward as far as Pakistan. I was spread by humans in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean into northern Africa and southern Europe and more recently transported to other parts of the world, notably California. People call me Baadaam in Persian, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Turkish, Urdu and Kashmiri. In German almond is called “Mandel”, as well as “Almond”.

I was biologically named as Prunus dulcis. There are two forms of the plant, one (often with white flowers) producing sweet almonds, and the other (often with pink flowers) producing bitter almonds.

Do you know my nutritional value?

In 100 gms I have

1. Calories – 578
2. Total Carbohydrates – 20g
3. Dietary Fiber – 12g
4. Sugars – 5g
5. Protein – 21g

Vitamins

1. Vitamin A – 5 IU
2. Beta Carotene – 3 mcg
3. Lutein + Zeaxanthin – 1 mcg
4. Vitamin E – 25.87 mg
5. Thiamin – 0.241 mg
6. Riboflavin – 0.811 mg
7. Niacin – 3.925 mg
8. Vitamin B6 – 0.131 mg
9. Folate – 29 mcg
10. Food Folate – 29 5.6 mcg
11. Dietary Folate Equivalents – 29 mcg
12. Pantothenic Acid – 0.349 mcg

Minerals

1. Calcium – 248 mg
2. Iron – 4.3 mg
3. Magnesium – 275 mg
4. Phosphorus – 474 mg
5. Potassium – 728 mg
6. Sodium – 1 mg
7. Zinc – 3.36 mg
8. Copper – 1.11 mg
9. Manganese – 2.535 mg
10. Selenium – 2.8 mcg

Fats

1. Total Fat – 50.64 mg
2. Saturated Fat – 3.881 mg
3. Monounsaturated Fat – 32.155
4. Polyunsaturated Fat – 12.214

How to Select and Store me?

I was commonly sold shelled, i.e. after the shells are removed, or unshelled, i.e. with the shells still attached. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seed coat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo

So buy,

• Almonds that are still in their shells have the longest shelf life. If purchasing these, look for shells that are not split, moldy or stained. Shelled almonds that are stored in a hermetically sealed container will last longer than those that are sold in bulk bins since they are less exposed to heat, air and humidity. If purchasing almonds in bulk bins make sure that the store has a quick turnover of inventory and that the bulk containers are sealed well in order to ensure maximum freshness. Look for almonds that are uniform in color and not limp or shriveled. In addition, smell the almonds. They should smell sweet and nutty; if their odor is sharp or bitter, they are rancid.
• If you want almonds with a roasted flavor and texture, choose those that have been “dry roasted” as they are not cooked in oil like their regular roasted counterparts. Yet, even when purchasing “dry roasted” almonds, it is important to read the label to be sure that no additional ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup or preservatives have been added.
• Since almonds have a high fat content, it is important to store them properly in order to protect them from becoming rancid. Store shelled almonds in a tightly sealed container, in a cool dry place away from exposure to sunlight. Keeping them cold will further protect them from rancidity and prolong their freshness. Refrigerated almonds will keep for several months, while if stored in the freezer, almonds can be kept for up to a year. Shelled almond pieces will become rancid quickly. Almonds still in the shell have the longest shelf life.

How to Enjoy?

• In addition to being eaten raw, I will be a wonderful addition to variety of recipes from salads to baked goods.
• Add a punch to plain yogurt by mixing in some chopped almonds and dried fruit.
• Enhance a healthy sauté of curried vegetables with sliced almonds.
• Add some almond butter to a breakfast shake to boost its taste and protein content.
• Almonds and apple slices make a wonderfully simple, on-the-go power snack.
• Make a delightful cold rice salad with almonds, fresh garden peas and currants.
• Add sliced almonds to chicken salad.

Cooking tips:

• Whole shelled almonds can be chopped by hand or can be placed in a food processor. If using a food processor, it is best to pulse on and off a few times, instead of running the blade constantly, as this will help ensure that you end up with chopped almonds rather than almond butter.
• If you want to remove the almonds’ skin, blanch them for a few of minutes until you notice the skin beginning to swell. Drain them and then rinse under cold water. Pinch the cooled almonds between your thumb and index finger, and the skin should slide right off the almond meat.
• To roast almonds at home, do so gently–in a 160-170°F (about 75°C) oven for 15-20 minutes–to preserve the healthy oils.

Almond oil -is extracted from me. This colorless as well as odorless oil imparts a glow to the skin and it also restores the moisture balance of the body. Thus this oil is also used to make creams, moisturizers and soaps, which are easily available in the markets as well as in the shops. This oil is rich in linoleic (polyunsaturated fatty acid) and oleic (monounsaturated fatty acid). It is also rich in fats, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Note: Always store your almond oil in a dark place.

Beauty tips:
Skin:

• It is suitable for all skin types.
• This oil can be used as carrier oil as far as massage therapy or aromatherapy is concerned.
• It nourishes as well as softens the skin and makes it smooth.
• It also acts as a great moisturizing agent.
• Helps to get rid of dark circles.
• Prevents itching, irritation and inflammation of skin.

Hair:

• In order to nourish your hair and to give it a soft and shiny look, you can use this oil.
• Gives your hair a thicker look.
• Prevents loss of hair.

Face:

• You can do a fairness massage easily at the privacy of your home. Soak four almonds overnight. In the morning remove their skin and grind them fine. Make a paste by adding one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk and four drops of limejuice. A regular massage with this paste will assure a long lasting fairness to you.
• You can make a fine paste of grinded almonds and rose water. A regular application of this paste on the face and neck will bring a natural fairness.

Lips:

• You can make Lip Gloss at home. Take 1 tablespoon almond oil, 10 fresh cranberries, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon petroleum jelly. Mix all the ingredients and then place them in a microwave or heat-resistant container. Heat in the microwave or a water bath until the mixture just begins to boil (1-2 minutes in the microwave). Stir well and gently mash the berries. Let the mixture stand for at least 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove all pieces of cranberry. Stir and allow cooling completely. When cool, spoon into a clean container. To use spread a small amount onto your lips.

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