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Almonds-p1.html" target='_blank'>Almonds are considered one of the most popular, important, and versatile of all the tree nuts. They can be eaten raw, roasted, flavored, in candies, and as almond butter, almond milk, and almond paste . We are still discovering the many amazing nutritional benefits of almonds. Almonds are grown on a beautiful, medium sized tree of the rose family, and are closely related to peaches, plums and apricots. The fruit consists of two parts: the interior edible seed and the surrounding hard outer shell, also called the hull. When almonds reach maturity, the hull splits open. If dried, the nut can be easily separated from the shell. Unlike peaches, where the sweet, delicious meat is consumed and the pit discarded, the almond pit is eaten while the thin fibrous external flesh is discarded.
Almond trees are very resilient and can grow to heights of twenty to thirty feet. The wood tends to be harder and stronger than that of a peach tree, the bark is a dark shade of gray, the branches are wide and spreading, and the sword-like leaves are finely toothed. These characteristics make almond trees easy to spot, especially when their pale pink flowers are blossoming.
Almonds have symbolized everything from good luck to haste throughout history and the favored method of consumption ranges from culture to culture. During the Biblical times, the Hebrews viewed almonds as a symbol of haste because almond trees quickly blossomed when placed in water in a warm place. Then, during the 1200s and 1300s in Europe, almonds were extremely popular and inexpensive, which was good for the people because they were believed to bring good luck, long life, and happiness. In Spain, the glistening ceremonial Jordan almonds are tremendously popular. Today, Jordan almonds are available in every shade imaginable and are commonly used in wedding ceremonies around the world.