Almonds
Almonds are mentioned as far back in history as the Bible. They were a prized ingredient in breads served to Egypt's pharos. Their exact ancestry in unknown, but almonds are thought to have originated in China and Central Asia. Explorers consumed 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-1700's by the Franciscan Padres. The moist, cool weather of the coastal missions, however, did not did not provide optimum growing conditions. It wasn't until the following century that trees were successfully planted inland. 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.

Almond orchard

Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. The Bible's "Book of Numbers" tells the story of Aaron's rod that blossomed and bore almonds, giving the almond the symbolism of divine approval. The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm. Today, Americans give guests at weddings a bag of sugared almonds, representing children, happiness, romance, good health and fortune. In Sweden, cinnamon-flavored rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is a Christmas custom. Find it, and good fortune is yours for a year.

At the Almond Board of California, we've always known that our favorite nut could do great things. That's why we've committed serious resources to learning everything we can about their potential benefits to your health.

Our goal is to show that almonds do a lot more than satisfy your snack cravings with scientific fact. So far, we're on the right track. All evidence tells us that almonds are good, and good for you. They're cholesterol free, low in saturated fat, and a great source of fiber. They're also high in monounsaturated fat, which can help lower your "bad" cholesterol and maintain your "good" cholesterol. Almonds are the best source of the antioxidant vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol and also pack plenty of protein, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper and zinc. Last but not least, almonds have lots of phytochemicals, which have lots of health benefits of their own. The scientists involved in the Almond Board's program are the superstars of nutrition research. We've selected the cream of the crop from institutions like the University of California, Penn State, Loma Linda University, and Louisiana State. Right now, they're studying the affect of almonds in important areas like cardiovascular disease, cancer, glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, and more. We have new results coming in all the time, so be sure to check back with us often. Because the more we learn about almonds, the more excited we are to spread the good news!

Courtesy of The Almond Board of California

Blanching: Put almonds in small quantities in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Removed with a slotted spoon; cool to avoid finger burns and slip nuts between your thumb and middle finger, quickly removing the skins. Dry nuts with absorbent paper towels and spread on a baking sheet to dry.

Toasting: For a rich, toasted flavor, spread in a shallow pan and toast at 350 degrees in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring to achieve an even brown color.

Frying: French fry almonds in vegetable oil heated to 360 degrees for only 2 to 3 minutes until a the nuts have a light golden color.

Lore and Legend
Greek mythology tells of the beautiful princess Phyllis, who was left waiting at the altar on her wedding day by her intended, Demophon. Phyllis waited for years for him to return, but finally died of a broken heart. In sympathy, the gods transformed Phyllis into an almond tree, which became a symbol of hope. When the errant, remorseful Demonphon returned to find Phyllis as a leafless, flowerless tree, he embraced the tree. The tree suddenly burst into bloom, a demonstration of love not conquered by death. A similar legend is popular in Portugal. Almonds in uneven numbers of three, five, or seven are given as tokens of good fortune and happiness for christenings, weddings and religious ordination ceremonies. A combination of shelled almonds and raisins are good luck symbols for Jews.