Almond is a shrub or small tree of the Plum genus. The plant has long been considered a symbol of marital happiness, fertility and well-being. The homeland of almonds is Asia. The geography of cultivation of this crop is expanding annually. Today plantations of the plant are concentrated in Iran, Spain, Italy, the United States of America and Syria.
Interestingly, 16 February in the United States celebrates World Almond Day. In this period fragrant trees and shrubs of the plum family start to bloom.
Almonds are very popular in the world. It is a source of B vitamins, tocopherols, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, which promotes the formation of new cells, improves the condition of teeth, hair, skin, normalizes metabolism, neutralizes free radicals, stabilizes the cardiovascular system and prevents the development of oncology. The RDA for almonds is 10 nuts.
Species and varieties
There are three varieties of almond: thin-walled, bitter and sweet.
Almonds ordinary
This is the most widespread species, widely cultivated in Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, Crimea, and the Caucasus. The shrub reaches 4 m in height, and the tree – up to 8 m, a characteristic feature of which is a lush openwork crown. The life span of a plant reaches 130 years. Its flowers are large, white-pink in color. Leaves are narrow, spiky, rich light green shade. The fruits are covered with a velvety skin and have a flattened shape; inside there is a stone with an edible kernel. Flowering occurs in the last month of winter and lasts 2-3 weeks.
Varieties of common almonds: brittle, sweet, bitter. It is the only species used in fruit growing. The most popular varieties include: White Sail, Pink Mist, Anyuta.
Almond steppe
This almond grows in Central Asia, Siberia and the European part of Russia. It tolerates frost and drought well.
Steppe almond is a low shrub up to 1,5 m in height, has a dense spherical crown. Its leaves are marsh above, and light green below. The flowers of the plant are small, up to 3 cm in diameter, bright pink, gather in inflorescences. The flowering period is in May and lasts 2-3 weeks. The fruits are covered with a light velvety skin, small (up to 2 cm in length), ripen in August-September.
The lifespan of a culture varies from 60 to 80 years.
Almond three-blade
Distributed in North China. The height of the tree is 5 m, the crown is spreading, up to 1,5 m in diameter. Shoots are dark gray at the top and gray at the bottom. Leaves are green with a yellowish tint. The flowers are crimson, dark or bright pink. The flowering period occurs in April-May and lasts up to 20 days. A distinctive feature of this plant is winter hardiness and unpretentiousness. It easily tolerates frosts up to 20 degrees.
Almond Ledebour
It is found in Altai. It is a small shrub up to 2 m in height with large dark green leaves and light pink flowers up to 4 cm in diameter. The plant blooms in May, very aromatic. It begins to bear fruit no earlier than 11 years of age.
Almond Petunnikova
The homeland of the shrub is the Western Tien Shan. This is a dwarf plant with a crown diameter of no more than 0,8 m and a height of up to 1 m. It bears fruit at 6 years of age. Fruits are red, covered with a velvety thick rind. In the cold season, the shoots of a dwarf bush can freeze slightly.
Bitter almonds contain amygdalin and glycoside. Because of this, it poses a danger to the health of the body. Fifty nuts is a lethal dose for humans.
Chemical composition
Nutritional value of almonds – 609 kcal per 100 g. According to the composition of fats, the kernels are referred to as “satisfying” products. A handful of nuts covers 140% of the body’s daily requirement for monounsaturated triglycerides. 100 g of almonds contains 67% of the daily value of magnesium and phosphorus, 56% of riboflavin and 35% of niacin.
Nut pulp is 35% healthy fats, and the rest is proteins and carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugars.
Table No. 1 “Nutritional Value of Sweet Almond Variety” . farmer-online.com
Components
Content in 100 grams of product, grams
Fats 53,7 Omega-9 36,4 Proteins 18,6 Carbohydrates 13,0 Omega-6 12,5 Essential amino acids 10,38 Essential amino acids 10,34 Dietary fiber 7,0 Starch and dextrins 7,0 Mono- and disaccharides 6,0 , 5,0 Saturated fatty acids 4,0 Water 3,7 Ash 3 Omega-0,3 0,1 Sterols XNUMX
Table number 2 “The chemical composition of sweet varieties of almonds”
Name
Nutrient content in 100 grams of product, milligrams
Vitamins
Choline (B4) 52,1 Tocopherol (E) 24,6 Niacin (B3) 6,2 Ascorbic acid (C) 1,5 Riboflavin (B2) 0,65 Pantothenic acid (B5) 0,4 Pyridoxine (B6) 0,3, 1 Thiamine (B0,25) 9 Folic acid (B0,04) 0,02 Beta-carotene (A) XNUMX
Macronutrients
Калий
748
Фосфор
473
Кальций
273
Магний
234
Сера
178
Хлор
39
Натрий
10
Trace Elements
Железо
4,2
Цинк
2,12
Марганец
1,92
Медь
0,14
Фтор
0,091
Селен
0,0025
Йод
0,002
Almond kernels are used to produce oil, milk and flour, which are widely used in the food, cosmetic industry, and folk medicine. farmer-online.com… Sweet nuts are used salted, toasted and raw. It is used in confectionery (pastries, cookies, cakes, ice cream), meat dishes and rice. Whole roasted almonds are used to decorate pastries, as well as enhance the taste of sweets and chocolate. Crushed is added to the composition of butter, ketchup, pasta, jam, glazed curds and curd mass, to impart a nutty flavor and aroma to products.
Almond on guard of health
Since ancient times, the plant nucleus has been used as a medicine to combat diseases of the intestines and the urogenital system.
Useful Properties .. ..:
- Protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, resists premature aging of the body ..
- Lowers sugar and insulin. Recommended for use by diabetics.
- Supports Heart Health. Cleans blood vessels, neutralizes the risk of cholesterol plaque formation 1.
- It prevents the development of osteoporosis.
- Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
- It cleanses the blood, removes bile, removes sand from the kidneys.
- Increases stress resistance, improves brain activity, helps to get rid of chronic insomnia ...
- Stimulates the production of male hormones, increases potency.
- Strengthens teeth, nails, improves hair growth.
- Prevents the development of neoplasms ...
- Need for the proper formation of the neural tube of the fetus and placenta (for pregnant women).
- It opens the blocked ducts in the spleen and liver.
- Relieves hangover symptoms.
Almond kernels are natural analgesic. This is a natural anticonvulsant. In addition, the fruits of the shrub have enveloping, choleretic and analgesic effect.
The fruits of sweet almond are recommended to be used when:
- insomnia;
- slagging of the body;
- urolithiasis;
- potency problems;
- gastritis;
- stomatitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- developmental delays;
- anemia;
- anemia;
- headaches;
- numbness of arms and legs;
- coughing
Kernels facilitate attacks of strong cough, lower the acidity of gastric juice.
Harm to the body
Almonds are a high-calorie product. People who are overweight should refrain from eating nuts, as they can quickly and imperceptibly increase body weight. In addition, unripe almonds are strictly forbidden to eat for all categories of people, since it contains toxic cyanides that are incompatible with life.
Противопоказания ..:
- idiosyncrasy;
- obesity;
- high heart rate.
Almond oil
Almond seed contains 40-60% oil, depending on the variety and growing conditions of the plant. It is extracted by cold pressing.
The composition of almond oil:
- amygdalin glycoside;
- tocopherol, riboflavin;
- protein substances;
- Sahara;
- carotenes;
- bioflavonoids;
- mineral compounds: zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron;
- linoleic acid (16-25%);
- oleic acid (65-83%).
Almond oil is a versatile product ..… It is currently used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It works more effectively than olive oil. It is taken orally to lower cholesterol levels and acidity of gastric juice, eliminate flatulence.
Outwardly, almond oil is used to treat solar, thermal household burns, minor injuries, and improve the condition of the skin. In addition, on its basis, warming compresses are prepared to relieve pain in the ears. For better absorption, the product is preheated to 36-40 degrees.
Almond oil has laxative, soothing, emollient, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerating and wound healing properties.
The product is used in cosmetology for the care of dry, flabby, normal and tired facial skin.
Folk recipes beauty
- For nutrition, skin refreshment. Combine in equal proportions the essential oils of patchouli, lavender, rosewood and almond. Apply to wet skin on 15 minutes. Remove residues with a tissue.
- Toning mask. Oat flour (30 g) diluted in hot water to a creamy mass, add almond oil (5 ml), rosemary and lemon essential oil (2 drops). Mask left on 15 minutes, wash off.
- Cleansing (for dry, normal skin type). Ingredients: yolk (1 pc.), Almond oil (15 drops), water (5 ml). Mix all components, leave on the face for 20 minutes, rinse.
- For smoothing wrinkles, nourishing and removing dark circles under the eyes. Apply almond oil to the skin of the eyelids using the fingertips, lightly tapping. Wait until it is absorbed.
- For regeneration and moisturizing. Method of preparation: mix essential oils of sandalwood and neroli (2 drops each) with oil of almond kernels (15 ml), apply to the skin. After 20 minutes, remove the rest with a cotton pad.
- For refreshing and improving complexion. The mask is suitable for oily skin. To prepare essential oils of citrus and ylang-ylang, mix 2 drops each, add 15 ml of warmed almond oil. The product is applied to the face for 10 minutes, then removed with a cotton pad.
- To improve skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks. To prepare a massage mixture, 4 drops of essential oils of mandarin, neroli and lavender are mixed, 100 ml of almond oil is injected. The product should be applied to the thighs and abdomen starting from the 5th month of pregnancy.
- For nourishment, healing of chapped hand skin. Almond oil is heated to 38 degrees, rubbed into the dermis with massage movements. It is preferable to apply the hand mask at night, if necessary, wear cotton gloves. Do not rinse.
- For elasticity, shine and stimulation of hair growth.
- For makeup remover. A cotton pad is moistened in the composition and gently wipe the skin of the eyelids, eyelashes. After cleansing the eyes, rinse the face with water.
To care for oily hair, almond oil is mixed with essential oils of cedar, bergamot and lemon (2 drops each). The resulting composition is rubbed into the roots, then distributed over the entire length of the curls before washing the hair. If the hair is dry, the product is applied to the washed, damp strands. Of the essential oils, patchouli, lavender or ylang-ylang are used.
To achieve a lasting effect, oil formulations are applied to the strands at least 1-2 times a week. To nourish the hairline, fat from the almond kernels is allowed to be applied to the comb, combing the hair three times a day. To reduce the fragility of nails and restore their strength, almond oil (5 ml) is combined with essential oils of ylang-ylang and lemon (1 drop each). The tool is applied daily to the nail plate. For herpes, almond oil (5 ml) must be mixed with eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil (2 drops). Lubricate the rash with the resulting composition up to 5 times a day. For the prevention of atherosclerosis, consume 5 ml of almond oil daily for 3 months.
Thus, cold-pressed almond seed oil is a miracle cure that protects women’s health and beauty. By its properties, this unique product relieves painful sensations during menstruation, prevents the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin, strengthens nails, and stimulates hair growth. On the basis of the oil, homemade masks and compresses are prepared. In addition, it is introduced into the composition of ready-made cosmetic products for the care of the face and body (cream) for the fortification of the product.
Almond milk
Milk is a delicious and nutritious drink with healing potential ..… Almond extract is an alternative to cow’s milk, but it is not able to provide the human body with calcium (2 mg versus 300 mg) and protein (1 g versus 8 g) ...
In terms of the amount of vitamins and mineral compounds, it surpasses soy and rice products.
Benefits of Almond Milk ..:
- Prevents heart disease: lowers blood pressure, provides the body with beneficial omega fatty acids.
- Doesn’t put on weight ..… 100 ml of almond milk contains 2 times less calories than whole cow milk (30 kcal). Thus, it is a diet drink that allows you to maintain or reduce your current weight.
- Improves skin condition, protects it from the negative effects of the sun. Interestingly, 100 ml of almond milk contains 50% of the daily intake of vitamin E.
- Strengthens bone tissue, serves as a preventive measure against osteoporosis and arthritis. Provides dental health.
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes. Almond milk is a low-carbohydrate food with a glycemic index of 30. Therefore, it does not provoke a sharp release of insulin into the blood and sugar, respectively.
- Strengthens muscles.
- Improves digestion. In addition, milk from almond kernels does not contain lactose, from intolerance to which more than 10% of the adult population of the planet suffer.
- Strengthens eyesight, increases the ability of the eyes to adapt to different lighting.
What culinary bonuses does a product have?
It does not require refrigeration. Store-bought almond milk can be kept at room temperature while keeping it fresh and nutritious.
Tastier than cow. A distinctive feature of almond milk is its unique aroma and fresh nutty taste.
It’s easy to prepare. Unlike whole cow milk, almond milk is easy to make at home on your own. This does not require keeping livestock in a stable or growing fields of this plant. It is enough to purchase sweet almonds, finely grind them with a coffee grinder or blender, mix with water and separate the cake from the nutritious liquid.
Recipe
The number of ingredients is based on 4 servings. The cooking time is 12,5 hours, of which 12 hours are for soaking almonds.
Components:
- maple syrup – 15 ml;
- raw unrefined almonds – 1,5 cups;
- vanilla extract – 2,5 ml;
- water – 600 ml;
- cinnamon, nutmeg (in powder), salt.
To improve the taste in almond milk, you can add your favorite spices, agave, honey and dates.
Principle of preparation:
- Place the almonds in a bowl, pour cold water over it to cover it with 2-3, see Infusing 12 hours. Drain the water.
- Put swollen nuts in a blender bowl, add 200 ml of room temperature water, turn on the device for 1 minute. The finished mixture should have the consistency of a thick, homogeneous paste.
- Put almond paste in a bowl, pour boiling water with 400 ml, brew 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture with a sieve, cheesecloth or fine mesh filter. Then squeeze the nutrient liquid from the cake. Do not throw away the pulp of almonds, it is useful for making cocktails and diet cookies.
- Add maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla to cool filtered almond milk. Beat with a mixer.
Unlike a store product, homemade almond milk should be stored in a sealed container for no more than 2 days in a cold place. It is not recommended to be given to infants, as it can provoke the development of an allergic reaction to nuts. ...
Choose your main ingredient carefully. Almond milk made from unripe, bitter nuts can be harmful to the body. The following reactions are possible: heart rhythm disturbance, mild narcotic intoxication, headaches, overexcitation.
When buying store-bought almond milk, first of all pay attention to the composition of the product. Some manufacturers add carrageenan to it to thicken, stabilize, and gel. It is obtained from red seaweed. For a long time, carrageenan was considered a safe ingredient, but in the course of recent studies it was found that it aggravates the course of coronary heart disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and also causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, the European Union has banned the use of this food additive in baby food.
Remember that the greatest value for the human body is a product prepared independently without the use of chemicals, preservatives, emulsifiers and stabilizers.
The recommended daily rate of healing drink is 200 ml.
Almond flour
It is a product obtained from the processing of nut pulp [17]… Almond flour is hygroscopic and has a good ability to absorb and retain moisture. Confectionery and bakery products prepared on its basis retain their freshness longer. The chemical composition and calorie content of the product are the same as those of almonds. Interestingly, the beneficial components of the nut kernel are preserved even after heat treatment. In addition, almond flour is practically gluten-free, which means it is suitable for people sensitive to this complex protein of cereals. It is recommended to use it for anemia, convulsions, visual impairment, insomnia.
Unlike premium grain flour, depleted in vitamins, almond contains carotene, tocopherol, choline, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acids, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus. As a result, dishes made from nut powder have a high nutritional value and are beneficial for the human body.
What can be cooked from almond flour:
- French macaroon cakes;
- Franzipan and marzipan desserts;
- cream;
- sponge cakes, dekoise, cakes, pies;
- cookies, candy;
- puddings;
- casseroles, cereals, pies.
In Mediterranean cooking, almond flour is used for more than just sweets. It is introduced into the first and second courses, added to sauces, fillings for snack pies. It is a versatile product for thickening almost any dish. People who follow a low-carb diet and a healthy diet use almond powder instead of refined flour for making a base for dough and breading.
How to make flour at home
Almond flour production technology depends on what you want to get at the end. There are only two options.
Unpeeled almonds
Has a brown color, which does not play a key role in baked goods or salads. Often, unpeeled almond flour is mixed with chocolate and added to the dough, cream. In this case, the preparatory stage involves sorting out the kernels (separating high-quality from spoiled ones), followed by washing in cold water.
Peeled Almond
The characteristic feature of the product is its snow-white color. Flour is used to create biscuit dough, delicate desserts, in which brown flour is not allowed.
Making white nut powder is a laborious process as it involves skinning the almonds. First of all, fill a pot with hot water, throw the kernels into it, and leave for 5 minutes. Then drain the liquid, rinse the nuts under running cold water. Repeat this procedure, increasing the interval for keeping almonds in boiling water to 10 minutes. After the second time, the steamed skin is removed without effort.
Remember that the sorted washed almonds must be dried before grinding, otherwise you will get nut gruel instead of flour. To do this, preheat the oven to 70 degrees, cover the baking sheet with parchment paper, distribute the kernels (pre-cut into 2-3 parts) over the surface and keep for no more than 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Cool the dried almonds and start grinding.
Methods of grinding the nut in the flour
In a blender
Place the dried almond kernels in a blender bowl (no more than half of its volume). Turn on the device for 20 seconds at medium speed. Then tap the sides of the bowl to shake off any adhering flour particles. Turn on the device again for 30 seconds. Knock the finished almond flour off the sides of the bowl.
In a coffee grinder
Grinding sweet grains in this way requires a special approach, but the final product will be very thin and delicate. Almonds are chopped in short series for no longer than 20 seconds, with breaks between each approach. If the grinder is used for too long, the blades will heat up and turn the powder into a paste.
In the meat grinder
Almond kernel scroll several times to break the surviving large particles.
The finest grinding is obtained if you grind the grains with a coffee grinder, and the coarse one – with a meat grinder. It is recommended to use almond flour immediately after cooking, as over time it cakes into lumps and loses its nutty flavor. Although fatty acids do not go rancid (they are in a stable form), oxidative reactions are best prevented. For this, almond flour is poured into a glass jar, tightly closed with a lid, and stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 months.
Almond Flour Recipes
“Strawberry French Cookies Macaron”
Ingredients:
- lemon juice – 20 ml;
- sugar – 360 g;
- food coloring – 4 g;
- almond flour – 255 g;
- dried lavender flowers – 5 g;
- strawberry puree – 230 g;
- pectin – 5 g;
- powdered sugar – 240 g;
- soy powder – 10 g;
- water – 180 ml.
Method of preparation:
- Heat strawberry puree, add 15 of sugar and pectin powder. Bring to a boil, sweeten with another 100 of sucrose, boil for 10 minutes on low heat. Add lavender flowers, lemon juice.
- Remove the saucepan with the strawberry puree from the heat and cool.
- Heat the water (120 ml), add sugar (80 g), soy powder, beat until a homogeneous foam is obtained.
- Prepare a syrup from water (60 ml) and sugar (170 g). Pour into the soy foam in a thin stream.
- Mix the icing sugar, dye and almond flour. Pour into the soy mixture, stirring continuously.
- Fill the pastry bag with the finished dough (it should drain off the spatula and shine), cover the baking sheet with parchment paper. Form a small sized cakes.
- Baking macaroons in the oven for 30 minutes, maintain the temperature 150 degrees.
- Cool the cakes, combine the 2 halves with warm lavender-strawberry cream.
“Airy cookies”
Ingredients:
- wheat flour – 25 g;
- powdered sugar – 250 g;
- almond flour – 100 g;
- protein from 3 eggs.
Technology of preparation:
- Mix the icing sugar with almond flour and proteins. Beat the ingredients until smooth.
- Sift wheat flour, add to sugar mass. Knead the dough. Make sure that it has a liquid consistency.
- Cover the baking sheet with parchment.
- Fill a pastry bag with dough, deposit round cookies. Remember that it will increase in size during cooking, so leave a distance of 3 cm between them.
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Put the pan in the oven. Bake 20 minutes. The appearance of golden brown peel indicates the readiness of cookies.
“Candy Ferrero”
Ingredients:
- butter – 25 g;
- hazelnuts – 100 g;
- Peeled almonds – 80 g;
- condensed milk – 1 can;
- coconut chips – 200 g;
- cocoa powder – 100 g.
Cooking recipe:
- Melt the butter in a water bath, add condensed milk and cocoa powder, constantly stirring the mass.
- Chop the hazelnuts, add to the sweet mixture.
- Cool the chocolate mass, form balls, place almonds inside, roll each outside in coconut.
Conclusion
Almonds are the keeper of human beauty and health. First of all, the product is useful for the fairer sex. In cosmetology, it is used in the form of an oil to combat cellulite and stretch marks. The fat extracted from almond kernels nourishes and moisturizes the skin, makes it elastic, promotes cell regeneration, and improves the condition of hair and nails. With regular external use, the hair becomes thick, strong, shiny and silky. In addition, almonds are a storehouse of calcium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and folic acid, so it is recommended that pregnant and lactating women include the product in their daily diet. It eliminates digestive disorders that often occur after childbirth, has an analgesic effect, and participates in the formation of the fetal neural tube.
Not only almond oil is valuable, but also nut shells. It is ground into powder, added to cosmetics as an exfoliating agent for the dermis. In addition, ground shells are added to wines, liqueurs and brandies to flavor alcoholic beverages. The cake left over from oil production has found its application in the perfumery industry. It is used as a perfume. Almond kernels are used to produce flour and milk, which have found their way into cooking.
Interestingly, almonds are a powerful aphrodisiac for men. It enhances production and improves sperm quality. However, remember that the beneficial properties of almonds are revealed only if you follow the measure. The recommended daily allowance (in the absence of contraindications) is 10 raw kernels (up to 30 g). Any processing (frying, salting) spoils the product and reduces its nutritional value.
Sources of
