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Table of Contents
What are Almonds?
Almonds seeds that are retrieved from a native western Indian fruit (drupe). The French term is amandes while scientific name is Terminalia catappaare. Although Native to western India, it’s a key commercial crop in California. It is classified as a nut which are utilized in many foods for its flavor and texture profile. They’re skin are brownish color. To remove the skin they are blanched. Those with their skin still on are often in their natural form. The hull layer and outer shell are not used for human consumption. Its alternative use creates bedding or feed for livestock.
How To Use
It can be used in candies, marzipan, pastries. It can be ground down to create an almond nut butter or almond paste. Almonds can be roasted in the oven on 275F (135C). Or stove top on low-heat toasted in pan for about 5 minute to release it fragrance and oils. Enjoy it by …
- Eating one cup of almonds skin-on/ skin-off, roasted/unroasted.
- Adding it to baked goods, cold/hot cereal, or salad.
- Creating your own almond butter to spread on your toast.
- Create a breading for poultry or seafood.
Skin vs No Skin
Now you can choose to enjoy almond with the skin on or off, roasted, or raw. It is all about preference. When used for baking leaving the skin on or off depends on preference. The use of almond with their skin on or off are interchangeable.
Nutrients
Almonds are rich in vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). It is an antioxidant which assist in protecting the fat from reacting with oxygen within almonds. According to American Heart Association, eating nearly one-third a cup of almonds a day alone may reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Nutrition facts from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided shown in chart below
| Amount Per Serving: 1 cup, sliced almonds (92 grams) | |
| Calories 529 | |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 45 grams | 69% |
| Saturated fat 3.4 grams | 17% |
| Trans fat regulation 0 grams | |
| Cholesterol 0 milligram | 0% |
| Sodium 1 milligram | 0% |
| Potassium 649 milligram | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate 20 grams | 6% |
| Dietary fiber 11 grams | 44% |
| Sugar 3.6 grams | |
| Protein 20 grams | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | Calcium | 24% |
| Iron | 18% | Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 5% | Cobalamin | 0% |
| Magnesium | 61% |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |
Allergen
Make aware that almonds are an ingredient in the product. Almonds can cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis . It can then be onset many times with a person going into anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening. Conditions can occur such as
- airway constriction
- chest pains
- cramping
- dizziness
- eye swelling
- heavy tongue
- hives/ rash
- hoarse voice
- poor blood circulation
- shock
The trigger of an allergen can happen in a matter of minutes or hours. Often people with allergies tend to have an epinephrine pen. Follow the instructions on the epinephrine pen if needed. Call for immediate medical assistance.
Storing Almonds
The influence of almond characteristics, environment, and packaging can impact its quality. Almonds can become rancid quickly if not store properly at the right temperature. According to the Almond Board of California, raw and blanched almonds turn brown when stored at high temperatures (>38°C/100°F), especially at high humidity. Place almonds in a cool, dry area at a temperature of 40-degree F or below. When stored properly almonds can have a shelf life of up to 2 years.
Where To Purchase
Almonds are available all year around. They can be purchased in multiple forms such as grounded, silvered, sliced, or whole. There are many options to choose from such as chocolate covered, honey roasted, salted, smokehouse, and unsalted. Priced at $8.50 for a 10-ounce bag to $11.99 for a 16-ounce bag. Or settle for the precise amount by buying it in loose bulk from $7.69 a pound and up.They can be purchased at grocery stores and local markets such as Giants, Redner’s Market, Target, Walmart, and Whole Food Market. Or just have them delivered to your doorstep through Amazon.com or Instacart.com for convenience.
Ensure you take advantage of enjoying a healthy nutritious snack. And it sure has its heart healthy upsides. Try something different by adding it to your meal. But stay away if you have a nut allergy.