Most Popular Nut Types: What is Almond, How is it Grown?

Almond can be used in all areas of Turkish cuisine with its rich nutritional value and delicious taste. Almond, which can adapt to all kinds of recipes from desserts to foods, is included in many flavors in Turkish cuisines such as almond pilaf, almond gullaç, banana almond drink, and almond cake. In addition to being included in foods and beverages, almonds are consumed by athletes quite often, simply between meals. Let's take a look at the almond, which is among the most consumed nuts!

One of the first ones that come to mind when you think of Nuts: Almond

Almond is one of the most well-known among the nuts, and it is frequently used in both meals and desserts thanks to its taste and nutritional value. Almond, which has rich nutritional values, has a mild taste. It is a type of tree nut that is oblong and dark brown in color. Scientific studies about almonds show that almonds contain minerals and vitamins such as unsaturated fats, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, and vitamin E.

In daily life, most people often consume almonds in snacks. Almond, which is ideal for those who cannot find time to eat during busy working hours, can support the body's normal energy level. On the other hand, the consumption of roasted salted almonds during tea time, which is important for Turkish people, achieves a very pleasant combination.

The 3 Most Common Uses of Almonds in the Kitchen

We mentioned that almonds are frequently used in meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts. Now let's examine 3 uses of almonds in your daily life.

1. Almond as a snack: It is among the most popular nuts for plain eating. It can be consumed as raw almonds, roasted almonds, salted almonds, or chocolate-covered almonds.
2. On top of green salads: With their crunchy texture, almonds can be considered an ideal nut for those who want to add additional protein to green salads. It brings out the perfect combination of flavors in salads with sweet-flavored fruits such as strawberries and cranberries.
3. It can be aromatic in desserts: It is used as a garnish in cakes and pastries due to the mild flavor of almonds. It can be considered indispensable for five tea recipes.

Almonds are divided into two as sweet and bitter varieties. Bitter almond oil is mostly used to add more flavor to dishes. Sweet almond, on the other hand, is a type of almond that is generally consumed with raw almond kernels.

What are the Almond Types?

There are more than one variety of almonds, and the production and consumption of each almond variety shifts to different areas due to its characteristics. If the almond varieties are mentioned, they can be listed as follows:

Tooth Almond: Its peel is not hard, it can be easily eaten with the tooth and it is sweet.

Stone Almond: The characteristic of its shell is yellow and hard. Since it is difficult to break, it should not be eaten directly with the teeth.

Nur Almond: It is generally grown in the Datça region and is sweet.

Gababagh: It is very similar to a peach seed in appearance.

Acıpayam: Its fruit is small compared to the others and it is bitter like the seed of a peach. It is mostly used in the production of almond oil.

Devil's Payam: It is an almond variety that is not preferred by individuals because its shell is very difficult to remove. This is why it gets its name. It has the size of a hazelnut and is sweet.

On the other hand, among the almond varieties that are consumed more, there are also varieties such as roasted salted almonds, raw almond kernels and peeled almonds.

What are the Benefits of Almond? Why Do We Consume Almonds?

It is a very common nut due to its almond flavor. It can be examined that it is used not only for taste but also for health purposes. We mentioned that almonds contain minerals and vitamins such as unsaturated fats, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, vitamin E. Each state of almond has different effects on human health. Sweet almonds contain unsaturated fat. This unsaturated fat in almonds can support skin health and the natural balance of hair. Due to the vitamin E it contains, the appropriate consumption amount and time planned on the advice of a dietitian and doctor, and the supporting feature of almonds can benefit body functions.

Scientific studies are conducted on the benefits of bitter almonds. In particular, its cough suppressant and chest softening effects are being investigated. The use of sweet almonds and bitter almonds for health purposes should be carried out in the presence of a specialist doctor and a specialist dietitian. We recommend that you read scientific articles to learn more about the benefits of sweet almonds and the benefits of bitter almonds.

At the same time, dieters consume almonds to support their weight loss processes. People who follow a diet to lose weight can include shelled almonds in their diet plans, accompanied by their expert dietitians.

New Star of Tables:

Almond Milk

Today, the consumption of almond milk has increased because people are now on more plant-based diets and the number of people allergic to milk and dairy products has increased. Almond milk, which has been consumed for many years, has started to be an alternative to cow's milk.

This almond milk, which is generally preferred by vegan individuals, can be consumed not only by purchasing but also by making it at home. We recommend that you test whether you are allergic to almonds and almond milk before consuming almond milk.

Making almond milk is both easy and enjoyable. If you like to spend time in the kitchen, we recommend you to try making almond milk at least once. You can obtain almond milk very easily by passing the peeled almondsthrough a blender.