What are almonds?

Almonds are a type of nut that grows from an almond tree. Technically, almonds aren’t really nuts at all but are seeds from the inside of the fruit of the almond tree. When on the tree, the almond’s fruit is green and oblong. The fruit is a stone fruit, like cherries, apricots, and other fruits that have pits. The stone inside of the fruit is then dried and cracked up, to reveal the almond. The almonds we know are teardrop-shaped, with a brown exterior and a creamy white nut on the inside.

What do almonds taste like? 

Almonds are a mild tasting nut, with an underlying sweetness. 

What can you make with almonds?

Almonds can be eaten both raw and cooked, and have a hard and crunchy texture when bitten into. Their mild flavor gives them the flexibility to be used in a variety of different dishes, both sweet and savory to add a nutty crunch. They can be added to cookies, cakes, and pastries to lend an additional texture. 

Almonds typically pair well with vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon, making them a great addition to many desserts. Almonds can also be sliced, roasted, and added to things like salads and flatbreads. 

Almond products like almond milk and almond butter are also commercially available and can be used in place of things like peanut butter and dairy milk, respectively. Almond butter is a great replacement for peanut butter in things like sandwiches, smoothies, and even savory foods like mole sauces and Asian peanut sauce noodles.

Ground almonds, otherwise known as almond flour or almond meal, is a popular wheat flour replacement for those watching their gluten or carbohydrate intake. 

Where can you buy almonds?

Almonds can be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores in a variety of forms. Roasted or raw almonds sometimes come in personal-sized bags for one-time snacking. Large bulk-sized bags of almonds are also available; the nuts can be packaged whole, sliced, chopped, or slivered. The almonds will usually be sold near the other nuts. Almond products, like butter, milk, and flour, will be sold near their traditional counterparts: milk in the dairy case, flour in the baking aisle, and butter near the other nut butter. 

How should you store almonds?

Almonds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. In the pantry, they will last up to two years if stored correctly. 

Fun Fact About Almonds

The state of California produces a lot of almonds! The region produces 80% of the words almonds and 100% of the country’s almond consumption! 

Did you know

Almonds are a high-protein food! Just 1 ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein, just as much as an egg! 

Recipes Using Almonds

DIY Almond Butter

Making your own nut butter will law you to control what goes in it, and this recipe only requires 1 ingredient, almonds! In a food processor or high-speed blender, add three cups of almonds and turn on the blender. Blend the almonds until they begin to stick together and turn into almond butter – this process will last anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Stop the blender every few minutes to scrape the sides of the blender down. Store the almond butter in a glass jar.

Almond Cherry Bark

This delicious dessert is great for on-the-go snacking! To make it, start by linking a baking sheet with parchment paper. Over a saucepan with boiling water, take a glass or heat-safe bowl filled with dark melting chocolate and melt it over the double boiler. Stir the chocolate until smooth. To the chocolate, add whole almonds and dried cherries. While the chocolate is still liquid, add the mixture onto the baking sheet, spreading evenly. Top the bark with sliced almonds and refrigerate until it hardens. Break apart the bark and enjoy.

Spiced Almonds

These make a tasty snack for any time of day! To make them, start by combining the cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast whole almonds until they’re slightly brown and smell nutty and set aside. To the empty pan over medium heat, add olive oil and the spice mix, stirring till fragrant. Add in the nuts and cook in the spice oil. Let the nuts cool before enjoying.