Almonds

Prunus amygdalus

Origin / Harvest:

USA / September–October
Spain / September–October
Uzbekistan / July
Italy / September–October

Description & History

Almonds are considered one of the oldest and most widely grown and eaten of all nuts. They were a prized ingredient in breads served to Egypt's pharaohs. Their exact ancestry in unknown, but almonds are considered native to North Africa and western Asia. Explorers ate almonds while traveling the “Silk Road” between Asia and the Mediterranean. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean, especially in Spain and Italy.

The almond tree was brought to California from Spain in the mid-1700s by the Franciscan Padres. By the 1870's, research and cross-breeding had developed several of today's prominent almond varieties. By the turn of the 20th century, the almond industry was firmly established in the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas of California's great Central Valley, where 99% of all domestic almonds are grown.

Our natural almonds are generally sold whole, but are also available diced, roasted diced, flaked, sliced, and as almond meal. There are four primary almond varieties sold in today's market:

Nonpareil Type
With the widest range of uses among the marketing categories, Nonpareils are considered the premium almond variety most suitable for whole almond applications where an attractive appearance or strong almond identification is important. A thin outer shell and large, smooth kernel also allow for easy, blemish&ndash:free processing.

Mission and Mission Types
Mission variety almonds have a thick, stout shell and wrinkled kernel. The skin of a Mission almond has a deep brownish&ndash:red hue, darker than the Nonpareil. The kernels are also wider than the Nonpareil and have a stronger flavor. Though the Mission's deep wrinkles help the nut hold seasonings and adhere to other foods, and are perfect for use in snack mixes and ice creams. Their robust flavor is especially enhanced by roasting.

California Type
This classification includes a number of varieties, all of which are used primarily in manufactured products. California shells are of medium thickness, and their skins have a color that is slightly darker than the Nonpareil. As a result, the California variety is quite adaptable, and well suited for nearly any process or application.

Carmel Type
Actually a member of the California type varieties, the Carmel has become popular enough to warrant their own classification. A soft&ndash:shell variety, Carmel almonds are often used for roasting. Because they are easily processed, Carmel types are often substituted for Nonpareil types.

Raw Almonds - As of September 2007, pasteurization is mandatory for all California almonds. Thus, for raw applications, we recommend Uzbekistan origin almonds. Slightly smaller than Carmel, Uzbekistan almonds have a clean, sweet flavor. While grown in Uzbekistan, the almonds are processed, including laser sorting, at a state-of-the-art facility in Austria. For ingredient applications or anywhere that raw is required, Uzbekistan almonds are a premium quality, cost effective option.

Uses

The almond is one of the most versatile nuts in the world. We eat many varieties in many diverse forms. Almonds are delicious alone as a nutritious snack, and they are a prime ingredient in home kitchens and in food manufacturing. Almonds enhance virtually every food they grace with their distinctive taste and satisfying crunch.

The uses of almonds, other than snacking includes: sauces, stuffings in fowl, dessert toppings, cheese balls, various international pastries, served in pasta dishes, cookies, cakes, mixed in ice creams and candied. Almond flour can replace wheat flour in baked goods. Many salads and international dishes include various forms of almonds to enhance the dish with the unique almond flavor. Toasting almonds before adding them to dishes enhance their flavor and crunchy texture.

Nutrition

Almonds are well known as extremely rich in fiber, iron, riboflavin, vitamin E and importantly, monounsaturated fatty acids, which tests have shown to lower the risk of heart problems. A steady diet of almonds can even help to lower cholesterol.