When you hear the word "almond", you probably think of crunchy, delicious almond nuts that are often found in the running mix, dessert and health bar. But do you know that almonds are actually seeds of a fruit? The story of almond fruit is as attractive as it is fantastic - and it plays an important role in making almonds one of the world's favorite super foods.
What exactly is almond fruit?
Almond Tree (Prunus Dulasis) belongs to the Rojay family, which is closely related to Peach, Plum and Cherry. When an almond wood blooms, it produces a small, fuzzy, green almond fruit that looks like an uncontrolled peach. This fruit is called a darup.
There is a hard shell inside the outer hull of the drum, and there is almond seeds inside the shell - which we usually call "walnuts".
In fact, vegetatively, almonds are not the right nuts at all. They are almond fruit seeds, once fruit ripe and dry.
How almonds are harvested
During the early summer of the fall, the almond farmers shake mechanically or manually to free up ripe fruit. Almond fruits fall to the ground, where they naturally get dry in the sun. After drying, the hulls and shells are removed, which reveals the precious raw tonsils inside.
This careful harvest process preserves almond flavor, texture and nutritional benefits, making them popular products such as snacking, cooking or almond milk, almond butter and almond flour.
Nourishing
Almonds are observed for their incredible health benefits. They are rich:
• Healthy fat (especially monounsaturated fat)
• Plant -based protein
• fiber
• Vitamin E
• magnesium
• antioxidant
Studies show that regular almond consumption can support heart health, weight management and even improve skin health for their high vitamin E content.
Almond benefits
Adding almonds to your daily diet provides many powerful benefits
1. Cardiovascular health
Almonds are filled with monounsaturated fat, magnesium and antioxidants, which help reduce low cholesterol (LDL) and maintain healthy blood pressure level. Eating almonds reduces the risk of heart disease regularly.
2. Weight management
Despite being calories, almonds are very filled. The combination of protein, fiber and healthy fat helps control appetite and reduce more food, making almonds an excellent choice for healthy weight loss or maintenance.
3. Blood sugar control
Almonds have a low glycemic index and rich in magnesium, which are the necessary minerals for regulating blood sugar. Regular consumption can benefit type 2 diabetes or risk individuals.
4. Skin health
Thanks to their high vitamin E and antioxidant materials, almonds provide the skin from the inside. They help protect against oxidative stress, reduce signs of aging and promote a light color.
5. Bone Health
Almonds provide calcium, magnesium and phosphorus - all are all necessary to maintain strong, healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
6. Encourage brain power
Almonds are often called "brain food" because they contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that can promote brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline with age.
Almond fruit: More than just seeds
While most of us focus on almond seeds, the entire almond fruit is also used. In some culinary traditions, young, green almond fruits are eaten before mature, offering a sharp, fresh taste that is perfect in salads and snacks.
In beauty and skin care, almond oil is extracted from seeds - its moisturizing and nutritious properties, which are often painted in natural skin care products, creams and hair care lines.
Fun facts about almonds
- Male trees were one of the first pet fruit trees dating thousands of years back in the Middle East.
- California Almond Fields produces more than 80% of the world's almonds.
- In ancient times, almonds symbolized happiness and fertility.
Final thoughts
Next time you snack on a handful of healthy almonds, you can take a moment to appreciate for a moment, as they are up to a fruit, up to a fruit, up to a seed, which gives your body and delights the buds to your taste. The fruit of almonds is a small but powerful reminder of miracles about nature - and how easy can so much goodness
Frequently asked questions about almond fruits (FAQ)
1. What is the fruit of almonds?
An almond fruit is a drup, which means it has an external meat around a hard shell that protects the interior almond seeds. Although we usually call almonds "nuts", they are actually seeds from almond fruits.
2. Can you eat almond fruit?
Yes, when you are young and soft, you can eat green almond fruit. It has a spicy, weak grass flavor and is often fresh in eating salads, spicy or raw in some Mediterranean and Middle East food.
3. Are almonds good for your health?
Absolutely! Almond is a power plant of nutrients. They are rich in healthy fat, protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium and antioxidants. Regular almond consumption can improve heart health, regulate blood sugar, support weight management and promote better skin and bone health.
4. How is the almond cut?
Almonds are cut by shaking trees to release ripe fruit on the ground. The fruits are allowed to dry in the sun before being treated to remove the rudder and shells, revealing raw almonds
5. What is the difference between raw almonds and fried almonds?
Raw almonds are almonds that have been cut and cleaned, but the heat has not been treated. Toasted almonds are raw almonds prepared with or without oil for taste and texture. Improves fried flavor, raw almonds maintain a slightly higher nutritional level.
6. Is almond oil made of almond fruit?
Yes, almond oil is extracted from almond fruit seeds. It is usually used due to skin care, hair care and rich moisturizing and nutritious properties in cooking.
7. How are most almonds grown?
Most of the world's almonds come from California, which is more than 80% of global production. Climate as the State Mediterranean is ideal for increasing the almond trees.
8. How many almonds should I eat per day?
A healthy service is about 20-23 almonds per day (about one ounce). It provides a good balance of healthy fat, protein, fiber and essential nutrients without more calories.