Almond

Almonds are called shrubs, small trees, as well as the fruits of these plants. The name "almond" comes from the ancient Greek language. In addition, it is associated with the name of the Phoenician goddess Amygdalina. The Latin name for this plant is Prunus dulcis.

The almond belongs to the subgenus Almond of the genus Plum of the Rosaceae family of the Rosaceae order of the Dicotyledonous class of the Flowering kingdom of the Plant Kingdom.

Almond is a perennial heat-loving plant. It has the following external characteristics:

Almond grows in the form of a shrub and a small tree. It can reach 4-6 meters in height. Branches profusely. Almonds are found with long vegetative (growth) and short generative (fruitful) shoots.

Almond leaves are petiolate, lanceolate with a pointed tip. Meet with solid and with finely rounded-toothed edges. The venation is pinnate.

Flowers solitary, five-petalled. Painted in white and light pink colors. As a rule, flowering occurs before the leaves bloom.

The fruits of almonds are dry, velvety-pubescent, oval odnokostyanka. When immature they are green. The pericarp is dry and inedible. It can be easily separated from the stone after the almonds are ripe.

The stone or nut is also oval-elongated, covered with small dimples.It reaches 2.5-3.5 cm in length. It consists of a shell and a kernel (seed). The shell of almonds can be different - from very strong, opened with a hammer, to thin, opened with fingers.

The root system is pivotal. The main advantage of almond roots is that they can tolerate drought and dehydration for a long time, and are easily restored under favorable conditions.

Generally, there are three main types of almonds:

This variety of almond blooms with pink flowers. Bitter almonds are not suitable for food due to their high content of vitamin B17 or amygdala. In the body, it is broken down into glucose and hydrocyanic acid, which is a strong poison.

Flowering occurs in May, but the flowers are white-pink. Sweet almonds can be consumed both raw and roasted. It can also be added to dishes and baked goods, and can also be used to extract almond oil.

An edible variety of almond with sweet seeds. It has a very thin, fragile shell, hence the name.

To date, about 40 botanical species of almonds are included in the Almond subgenus. The most famous among them are:

• Bukhara.
• Fenzl.
• Petiole.
• Petunnikov.
• Prickly.
• Steppe.
• Three-bladed.
• Vavilov.
• Ordinary.
• Californian.

Only three types of almonds grow on the territory of modern Russia, while the rest grow in Asia, the USA and Europe.

Almonds grow wild and are also specially cultivated. It can be found in the wild:

• on the territory of Asia Minor and in the countries of Central Asia;
• in Afghanistan;
• in Iran;
• in the south of Transcaucasia.

The process of cultivation of almonds was carried out several millennia ago.Today it is grown in many countries with a warm climate, including in Africa and America. Most of all it is grown in Iran, Italy, Spain, Israel, Turkey, Greece, France and Indonesia.

To date, in many countries of the world, various varieties of almonds have been bred:

Varieties "Anyuta", "Dream" and "White sail" - belong to the same species of common almond (Amygdalus communis). They are a tall bush 4-6 meters in height. Grow in our country.

Variety "Nikitsky 62" - the crown of the trees has a fan-shaped shape. The varieties Primorsky, Nikitsky Late-flowering and Dessert are pollinated. Long resting and blooming late. The variety is winter-hardy. It bears fruit three years after planting. The fruits of the variety "Nikitsky 62" are quite large. Their outer shell (shell) is soft, spongy, light brown in color with a pitted surface. The seeds have a dark brown skin that is heavily wrinkled. On average, a nut weighs 3.6 grams. Nuts are sweet. At 15 years old, the tree produces about 14 kilograms of almonds.

Varieties of California almonds - 25 varieties of this species have been bred. Widespread in California. All varieties are divided into three groups. They differ mainly in the size and shape of the nucleus. California almond groups and their varieties:

• Nonpareil - This includes the Nonpareil variety.
• California - Includes varieties Carmel, Monterey, Sonora, Price.
• Mission - Includes varieties such as Mission, Butte, Fritz.

Almonds can be purchased in the form of:

• Whole natural or blanched nuts;
• Crushed in the form of slices, cubes or strips;
• Flour;
• Pastes and thick oils;
• liquid oil;
• Almond milk.

You can also buy green almonds.

The antioxidants contained in almonds allow them to be stored for a long time. However, they can lose their useful properties in conditions with high humidity and temperature. Therefore, in industrial volumes, almonds are stored inside bins, elevators and other bulky containers and provide coolness.

At home, almonds should be stored:

• In a cool dry place. Temperature should not exceed 10 degrees Celsius and humidity 65%.
• Isolated from strong-smelling substances and products, as with prolonged contact, almonds can absorb someone else's smell.
• In a place protected from insects and other pests.
• Roasted almonds need to be protected from sunlight and oxygen.

Proper storage of almonds allows you to store almonds for up to 2 years or more.

You can buy almonds in shell and without. Buy better in the shell. In this case, you need to pay attention to the fact that there are no spots, mold and rusty deposits on the shells. Spoiled, rancid, rotten and unripe almonds, as well as almonds with mold, should not be consumed, as they contain cyanides and other harmful substances.

• Lives long: in some countries up to 130 years.
• Bears fruit after 4-5 years from the date of planting.
• Almond nuts are a very tasty, nutritious, valuable healing product.
• A valuable source of vitamin E - the vitamin of youth, since its content is the highest: more than 24 mg.
• The shell has the highest content of antioxidants, which prevent the development of malignant tumors.

You can peel the almonds from the shell with a nutcracker or a hammer. In the second case, you need to first wrap the almonds in a towel so that the fragments of the shell do not scatter around.

For some dishes and dough products, you will need almonds, peeled from a brown skin:

• Put the almonds in a bowl, cover with boiling water.
• After 10 minutes, put the almonds in a colander and rinse under cold water.
• Pour boiling water again and leave for 10 minutes. After that, the almonds can be peeled by hand.
• Be careful when doing this, as slippery almonds can pop out of the skin.

Bitter almonds in large quantities are unhealthy. 10 pieces and 50 pieces of bitter almonds are lethal doses for children and adults, respectively.

The taste of bitter almonds is richer, and the aroma is more pronounced compared to sweet ones. In addition, bitter almonds have high healing properties. The famous oriental physician Avicenna recommended the use of bitter almonds for gastric, intestinal diseases, as well as for problems with the genitourinary system and in order to enhance "male strength". An adult can eat 2 pieces of almonds per day, and children are not recommended to eat bitter almonds.

Sweet almonds are very tasty, but you should not eat more than 15-17 sweet almonds a day. For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, it is enough to eat 3-5 pieces of almond nuts per day. They can be used:

• Raw;
• Add to pastries and various meat dishes.

100 grams of almond kernels contain:

In addition, there are 7 grams of dietary fiber, 4 grams of water, 7 grams of starch, 3.7 grams of ash, 5 grams of saturated fatty acids, 6 grams of mono- and disaccharides.

A 250 ml glass of almonds contains about 165 grams, which is equal to approximately 1004.9 kilocalories. In a 200 ml glass there are 130 grams, equal to 791.7 kilocalories. A heaping tablespoon of almonds (about 30 grams) contains approximately 182.7 kilocalories.

Of the vitamins found in almonds:

• 4 mg of vitamin PP;
• 0.02 beta-carotene;
• 3 micrograms of vitamin A;
• 0.25 vitamin B1;
• 0.65 mg of vitamin B2;
• 0.04 mg vitamin B5;
• 0.3 mg vitamin B6;
• 40 micrograms of vitamin B9;
• 1.5 mg vitamin C;
• 24.6 mg vitamin E;
• 6.2 mg of vitamin PP (niacin equivalent);
• 52.1 mg choline.

Of the macronutrients found in almonds: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine and sulfur. From trace elements: iron, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, selenium and fluorine. Contains such valuable amino acids as: lysine, tryptophan and arginine.

Vitamin E or tocopherol has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the sex glands, improves blood pressure and blood clotting, treats coronary heart disease, improves immunity, and is also indispensable for athletes seeking to build muscle mass.

Vitamins PP or niacin are involved in the formation of hemoglobin. They are useful for the nervous system, stomach and skin.

Magnesium is involved in the biosynthesis of proteins and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and is also indispensable for the normal functioning of the heart and blood channels.

Given the high sodium content, we can safely say that almonds are a "heart" product. The zinc contained in almonds satisfies our need for salty foods.And vitamin B2 increases the bioavailability of zinc in the body, thereby providing the body with enzymes for normal redox processes.

Almond kernels have the following beneficial actions:

• painkiller;
• anticonvulsant;
• soothing;
• enveloping;
• emollient;
• mild laxative;
• antioxidant;
• rejuvenating;
• anti-sclerotic.

About what is better to choose - almonds or walnuts, see the program "Live Healthy".

Bitter almonds contain a lot of amygdala (vitamin B17), which in a small dose is beneficial for the body, but in a large dose it is deadly poisonous.

This product may not be to the liking of people with almond intolerance. Each organism has its own line of intolerance. Therefore, you should be careful when eating almonds.

Despite all the benefits and value of the qualities of almonds, there are a number of contraindications to its use:

• Individual hypersensitivity to almond kernels.
• High degree of obesity.
• Increased heart rate.

For small children, to avoid inhalation, give only chopped almonds.

Almonds belong to the fruit family, but many consider them a nut. Like nuts, it is consumed both raw and roasted, salted and candied; added to food and various desserts. Prepared with it:

• cakes;
• cakes;
• fillings for pies, rolls and sweets;
• added to chocolate
• ice cream and desserts;
• cookie;
• stuffed pancakes;
• prepare an omelette, gazpacho;
• stew the meat of animals and birds;
• prepare fish;
• sauces;
• cocktails and liqueurs.

• Clean 2 pcs. onion and 4 garlic cloves. Finely chop them. Fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
• Put 4 tbsp. olive oil in a saucepan and heat it up.
• Dilute 2 tbsp. tomato paste in a glass of water and pour over the onion and garlic. Cook until sauce thickens.
• Grind 75 gr. chopped almonds and add to sauce. Pour in a few tablespoons of boiling water and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Thinly slice 4 medium sized eggplants and boil until tender in salted water. This will take approximately 5-7 minutes.
• Then remove from heat and squeeze out the liquid. Chop them into pieces.
• Put the sauce and eggplant in a bowl, mix and add 3 tbsp each. fennel seeds and breadcrumbs, chopped bunch of parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
• Spread the mixture on a sheet of baking paper in the form of a roll or a large elongated meatball.
• Roll up the sheet and tie off the edges to make a large candy.
• Place on a baking sheet and brush with oil on top.
• Insert into an oven preheated to 200 ° and cook for half an hour.

The dish can be served both hot and cold.

For medicinal purposes, almonds are useful:

• Weakened people to increase mental abilities, improve sleep, stimulate the activity of the brain and genital organs.
• Almond milk is recommended for people with diseased kidneys and stomach. It well removes bile and stones from the kidneys, reduces acidity in the stomach.
• People with atherosclerosis to normalize blood pressure. They are given a potassium diet.
• In stressful conditions. Since almonds contain the hormone serotonin, the lack of which can lead to depression.Serotonin improves mood, and thereby increases the level of performance.
• In oriental medicine, almonds are recommended to improve vision.
• For those who have a sore throat. Since almonds contain unique fats that have an effective effect on the throat. In this case, it is better to use almond milk or almond broth.

Take one hundred grams of whole almond kernels and fill the floor with a liter of clean water. Put on fire and boil for 15 minutes. Then leave to stand. Cool and drink 80 ml 3 times a day. At the same time, boiled almonds can not be thrown away, but eaten within a few days.

This tincture has many healing properties that are inherent in the nuts themselves.

First of all, the almond shell has high antioxidant qualities. It is this quality that allows almonds to be stored for a long time.

This tincture is used to strengthen vision, improve liver function and the condition of blood vessels.

To prepare such a tincture, you need 100 gr. nuts. Remove the shell from them and pour 500 grams of ethyl alcohol or vodka. It should be infused for two weeks in a place protected from light. Shake the liquid occasionally during this period.

After the tincture is ready, take 18 drops 3 times a day before meals.

To treat baldness, you need to prepare a gruel of almonds and rub it on your head. To do this, grind a tablespoon of almonds in a mortar. Rub into the scalp at night for 1 month.

Grind the almond kernels in a mortar to a mushy shape. Apply as a compress to the affected area and tie.Change the bandage with fresh gruel every day until recovery.

To do this, eat a handful of peeled almonds daily, which is about 23 nucleoli. It is desirable that they were not fried and not salted. This will prevent the occurrence of various forms of cancer and heart attack, senile dementia, as well as improve the condition of hair and skin and strengthen nails.

• Mix half a glass of chopped almonds with 250 ml of boiling water. After 5 minutes, pour out the water and crush the almonds. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and boiled water. Mix everything. The face mix is ​​ready. Apply it on the skin of the face and neck. After 20-30 minutes have passed, rinse with warm water. Then rinse with acidified cool water. Dry with a towel and spread a regular face cream on the skin.
• You need to take 1 tablespoon of well-chopped almonds, 1 tablespoon of chopped oatmeal and 1 egg white. Beat the protein and mix with almonds and cereal. Apply to face and neck for 15 minutes. Rinse first with warm and then cool water. Dry with a towel and apply a suitable cream.

Mix 1 tablespoon chopped almond kernels with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Mix and apply on face and neck. Leave for half an hour and then rinse with cool water. dry with a towel and smear with a suitable cream.

Almonds improve fat metabolism in the body, which leads to weight loss. The optimal daily intake of almonds for consumption is 30 grams (heaped tablespoon).In addition, almonds are prescribed for diets for which a prerequisite is a low sodium content. It is added to vegetable, fruit salads so that they acquire a taste and do not seem too bland. However, their content should not exceed 100 grams.

• Almond shells are used to flavor wines, cognacs and liqueurs.
• Essential almond oil, pressed from almond kernels, is used in aromatherapy. It can be bought in pharmacies.
• Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which is used in the cosmetic industry in the production of creams. It increases the absorption of the cream into the skin.
• Bitter almonds are used in pharmaceuticals in the manufacture of drugs.

Almonds are truly a divine fruit. The ancient Egyptians knew about the miraculous properties of this product. They used almonds in cooking, in medicine, and did not even forget about them in the afterlife. This is evidenced by the almonds found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Egyptians believed that almonds help with the transition to another world.

Almonds have been cultivated for a very long time, as evidenced by the facts of their cultivation in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. From there it was distributed throughout Europe, Africa and the countries of America with a warm climate.

The almond is mentioned in the Bible as a sacred tree. In ancient Iran, the almond was considered a tree sent from heaven. For the ancient Romans, this tree was perceived as a symbol of fertility. And the Indians honored this tree as a harbinger of family happiness and fertility. Like the Indians, the French consider almonds a sign of a happy marriage.

Almonds are widely distributed in Tajikistan, where the city of Kanibadam is named after almonds. In the original language, it sounds like “Konibodom”, which means “treasury of almonds”, “city of almonds”.

The beneficial properties of almonds in combination with figs are superior to those of ginseng.