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.
