Difference between revisions of "Almond" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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The ''Prunus'' genus is in the rose family, [[Rosaceae]], one of the largest families of [[flowering plant]]s with about 3,400 species. In addition to the above, it includes such notable plants as [[apple]]s, berries, the hawthorn tree, the mountain ash, and many others.  
 
The ''Prunus'' genus is in the rose family, [[Rosaceae]], one of the largest families of [[flowering plant]]s with about 3,400 species. In addition to the above, it includes such notable plants as [[apple]]s, berries, the hawthorn tree, the mountain ash, and many others.  
  
 +
[[Image:AlmondFlower.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Almond blossom giving way to leaf shoots]]
 
Within ''Prunus'', the almond plant is classified with the [[peach]] in the subgenus ''Amygdalus''. It is distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. The sweet fleshy outer covering of other members of ''Prunus'', such as the plum and cherry, is replaced by a leathery coat called the hull, which contains inside a hard shell the edible kernel, commonly called a [[nut (fruit)|nut]] in culinary terms.  However, in botanical terms, an almond is not a [[nut (fruit)|true nut]].  In botanical parlance, the reticulated hard stony shell is called an [[endocarp]], and the fruit, or [[exocarp]], is a [[drupe]], having a downy outer coat.
 
Within ''Prunus'', the almond plant is classified with the [[peach]] in the subgenus ''Amygdalus''. It is distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. The sweet fleshy outer covering of other members of ''Prunus'', such as the plum and cherry, is replaced by a leathery coat called the hull, which contains inside a hard shell the edible kernel, commonly called a [[nut (fruit)|nut]] in culinary terms.  However, in botanical terms, an almond is not a [[nut (fruit)|true nut]].  In botanical parlance, the reticulated hard stony shell is called an [[endocarp]], and the fruit, or [[exocarp]], is a [[drupe]], having a downy outer coat.
  
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===Sweet and bitter almonds===  
 
===Sweet and bitter almonds===  
 +
[[Image:Unripe almond on tree.jpg|thumb|right|Unripe almond on tree]]
 
There are two forms of the plant, one (often with white [[flower]]s) producing [[sweet]] almonds, and the other (often with pink flowers) producing [[Bitter (taste)|bitter]] almonds. The kernel of the former contains a fixed oil and emulsion. As late as the early 20th century, the oil was used internally in medicine, with the stipulation that it must not be adulterated with that of the bitter almond. It remains fairly popular in [[alternative medicine]], particularly as a [[carrier oil]] in [[aromatherapy]], but has fallen out of prescription among doctors.  
 
There are two forms of the plant, one (often with white [[flower]]s) producing [[sweet]] almonds, and the other (often with pink flowers) producing [[Bitter (taste)|bitter]] almonds. The kernel of the former contains a fixed oil and emulsion. As late as the early 20th century, the oil was used internally in medicine, with the stipulation that it must not be adulterated with that of the bitter almond. It remains fairly popular in [[alternative medicine]], particularly as a [[carrier oil]] in [[aromatherapy]], but has fallen out of prescription among doctors.  
  
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The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for [[ethanol|alcohol]] [[intoxication]]. Folklore claims that almonds are poisonous for [[fox]]es.
 
The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for [[ethanol|alcohol]] [[intoxication]]. Folklore claims that almonds are poisonous for [[fox]]es.
[[Image:AlmondFlower.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Almond blossom giving way to leaf shoots]]
 
  
 +
==Origin and history==
  
==Origin and history==
+
The wild form of domesticated almond grows in the [[Mediterranean region]] in parts of the [[Levant]]; almonds are considered to have first been cultivated in this region. Domesticated almonds appear in the [[Early Bronze Age]] (3000–2000 B.C.E.) of the Near East, or possibly a little earlier. A well-known archaeological example of almond is the fruits found in [[Tutankhamun]]'s tomb in Egypt (c. 1325 B.C.E.), probably imported from the Levant.
  
The wild form of domesticated almond grows in the [[Mediterranean region]] in parts of the [[Levant]]; almonds must first have been taken into cultivation in this region. The fruit of the wild forms contains the [[glycoside]] [[amygdalin]], "which becomes transformed into deadly Prussic acid ([[Hydrogen cyanide]]) after crushing, chewing, or any other injury to the seed."<ref>A picture of the desiccated fruits from Tutankhamun's tomb can be found in Daniel Zohary and Maria Hopf, ''Domestication of plants in the Old World'', third edition (Oxford: University Press, 2000), p. 186</ref>  Before cultivation and domestication occurred, wild almonds were harvested as food and doubtless were processed by leaching or roasting to remove their toxicity.
+
Zohary and Hopf (2000) believe that almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit-trees due to "the ability of the grower to raise attractive almonds from seed. Thus, in spite of the fact that this plant does not lend itself to propagation from suckers or from cuttings, it could have been domesticated even before the introduction of [[grafting]]."  
  
However, domesticated almonds are not toxic; [[Jared Diamond]] argues that a common genetic mutation causes an absence of glycoside amygdalin, and this mutant was grown by early farmers, "at first unintentionally in the garbage heaps and later intentionally in their orchards."<ref>[[Jared Diamond]],  ''[[Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies]]'' (New York: Norton, 1999), p. 118.</ref> Zohary and Hopf believe that almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit-trees due to "the ability of the grower to raise attractive almonds from seed. Thus in spite of the fact that this plant does not lend itself to propagation from suckers or from cuttings, it could have been domesticated even before the introduction of [[grafting]]."<ref>Zohary and Hopf, ''Domestication'', p. 187</ref> Domesticated almonds appear in the [[Early Bronze Age]] (3000–2000 B.C.E.) of the Near East, or possibly a little earlier. A well-known archaeological example of almond is the fruits found in [[Tutankhamun]]'s tomb in Egypt (c. 1325 B.C.E.), probably imported from the Levant.<ref>A picture of the desiccated fruits from Tutankhamun's tomb can be found in Zohary and Hopf, ''Domestication'', p. 188</ref>
+
Before cultivation and domestication occurred, wild almonds were harvested as food and doubtless were processed by leaching or roasting to remove their toxicity. However, the sweet forms of domesticated almonds are not toxic. Diamond (1999) argues that a common genetic mutation causes an absence of glycoside amygdalin, and this mutant was grown by early farmers, "at first unintentionally in the garbage heaps and later intentionally in their orchards."  
<br />
 
[[Image:Unripe almond on tree.jpg|thumb|left|Unripe almond on tree]]
 
  
 
Almond is called ''Lawz'' in [[Arabic]], ''Baadaam'' in [[Persian language|Persian]] , [[Urdu]] and [[Hindi]].
 
Almond is called ''Lawz'' in [[Arabic]], ''Baadaam'' in [[Persian language|Persian]] , [[Urdu]] and [[Hindi]].
  
 
==Production==
 
==Production==
Global production of almonds is around 1.5 million tonnes, with a low of 1 million tonnes in 1995 and a peak of 1.85 million tonnes in 2002 according to [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] (FAO) [http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/Hort_Circular/2004/12-10-04/12-04%20Almonds.pdf figures (pdf file)]. Major producers include [[Greece]], [[Iran]], [[Italy]], [[Morocco]], [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[Syria]], [[Turkey]], and the world's largest producer, the [[United States]].[[Image:AlmondFarm.jpg|thumb|275px|right|Almond Farm in central California]] In [[Turkey]], most of the production comes from the [[Datca]] peninsula. In Spain, numerous commercial cultivars of sweet almond are produced, most notably the Jordan almond (imported from [[Málaga]]) and the [[Valencia (city in Spain)|Valencia]] almond. In the United States, production is concentrated in [[California]], with almonds being California's sixth leading agricultural product and its top agricultural export. California exported almonds valued at 1.08 billion dollars in 2003, about 70% of total California almond crop.
+
Global production of almonds is around 1.5 million metric tons, varying in recent years between 1 million tons in 1995 and 1.85 million ton in 2002, according to the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] (FAS 2004) Major producers include [[Greece]], [[Iran]], [[Italy]], [[Morocco]], [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[Syria]], [[Turkey]], and the world's largest producer, the [[United States]].[[Image:AlmondFarm.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Almond Farm in central California]]  
[[Image:2005almond.PNG|thumb|left|Almond output in 2005]]
 
  
Because of cases of [[Salmonella]] traced to almonds in 2001 and 2004, in 2006 the California Almond Board proposed and the [[USDA]] approved rules regarding the nature of almonds available to the public. Starting September 1, 2007, raw almonds will technically no longer be available in the United States.  Controversially, almonds labeled as "raw" will required to be steam pasteurized or chemically treated with [[propylene oxide]].<ref>"Marketing Order 981: California Almonds", Federal Register, Docket No. FV06-981-2 FR</ref>
+
In [[Turkey]], most of the production comes from the [[Datca]] peninsula. In Spain, numerous commercial cultivars of sweet almond are produced, most notably the Jordan almond (imported from [[Málaga]]) and the [[Valencia (city in Spain)|Valencia]] almond. In the United States, production is concentrated in [[California]], with almonds being California's sixth leading agricultural product and its top agricultural export. California exported almonds valued at 1.08 billion dollars in 2003, about 70% of total California almond crop.
 +
[[Image:2005almond.PNG|thumb|left|240px|Almond output in 2005]]
  
==Diseases==
+
Because of cases of [[Salmonella]] traced to almonds in 2001 and 2004, in 2006 the California Almond Board proposed and the United States Department of Agriculture ([[USDA]]) approved rules regarding the nature of almonds available to the public. In a rule approved in 2006, from September 1, 2007, raw almonds were to no be longer available in the United States (AMS 2006). Controversially, almonds labeled as "raw" are required to be steam pasteurized or chemically treated with [[propylene oxide]] (AMS 2006). 
{{Main|List of almond diseases}}
 
  
==Pollination==
+
===Pollination===
The [[pollination]] of California's almonds is the largest annual [[Pollination management|managed pollination]] event in the world, with close to one million hives (nearly half of all [[beehive (beekeeping)|beehives]] in the USA) being trucked in February to the almond groves. Much of the pollination is managed by pollination brokers, who contract with migratory [[beekeeper]]s from at least 38 states for the event.
+
The [[pollination]] of California's almonds is the largest annual managed pollination event in the world, with close to one million hives (nearly half of all [[beehive (beekeeping)|beehives]] in the USA) being trucked in February to the almond groves. Much of the pollination is managed by pollination brokers, who contract with migratory [[beekeeper]]s from at least 38 states for the event.
 
[[Image:Almond blossoms branch.JPG|thumb|Flowering branch of an almond tree]]
 
[[Image:Almond blossoms branch.JPG|thumb|Flowering branch of an almond tree]]
  
 +
==Use of almonds==
  
==Almond oil==
+
===Almond oil===
 
"Oleum Amygdalae," the fixed oil, is prepared from either variety of almond and is a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odor and a nutty taste. It is almost insoluble in [[ethanol|alcohol]] but readily soluble in [[chloroform]] or [[diethyl ether|ether]]. It may be used as a substitute for [[olive oil]].  
 
"Oleum Amygdalae," the fixed oil, is prepared from either variety of almond and is a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odor and a nutty taste. It is almost insoluble in [[ethanol|alcohol]] but readily soluble in [[chloroform]] or [[diethyl ether|ether]]. It may be used as a substitute for [[olive oil]].  
  
 
The sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried [[seed|kernel]] of the plant. This oil has been traditionally used by [[massage therapist]]s to lubricate the skin during a massage session, being considered by many to be an effective [[emollient]].
 
The sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried [[seed|kernel]] of the plant. This oil has been traditionally used by [[massage therapist]]s to lubricate the skin during a massage session, being considered by many to be an effective [[emollient]].
  
==Almond syrup==
+
===Almond syrup===
 
Historically, almond syrup was an [[emulsion]] of sweet and bitter almonds usually made with [[barley syrup]] ([[orgeat syrup]]) or in a syrup of orange-flower water and [[sugar]].
 
Historically, almond syrup was an [[emulsion]] of sweet and bitter almonds usually made with [[barley syrup]] ([[orgeat syrup]]) or in a syrup of orange-flower water and [[sugar]].
  
 
Grocer's Encyclopedia notes that ''"Ten parts of sweet almonds are generally employed to three parts of bitter almonds"'', however due to the [[cyanide]] found in bitter almonds, modern syrups generally consist of only sweet almonds.  {{Grocers}}
 
Grocer's Encyclopedia notes that ''"Ten parts of sweet almonds are generally employed to three parts of bitter almonds"'', however due to the [[cyanide]] found in bitter almonds, modern syrups generally consist of only sweet almonds.  {{Grocers}}
  
==Culinary uses==
+
===Culinary uses===
 
[[Image:Smoked_almonds.JPG|thumb|Smoked and salted almonds]]
 
[[Image:Smoked_almonds.JPG|thumb|Smoked and salted almonds]]
 
[[Image:sa_almonds.jpg|thumb|right|Raw almonds]]
 
[[Image:sa_almonds.jpg|thumb|right|Raw almonds]]
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In [[China]], almonds are used in a popular dessert when they are mixed with milk and then served hot. In [[Indian cuisine]], almonds are the base ingredient for [[pasanda]]-style [[curry|curries]].
 
In [[China]], almonds are used in a popular dessert when they are mixed with milk and then served hot. In [[Indian cuisine]], almonds are the base ingredient for [[pasanda]]-style [[curry|curries]].
  
==Cultural aspects==<!-- This section is linked from [[Aaron's rod]] —>
+
===Medicinal uses===
[[Image:Almond blossoms closeup.jpg|thumb|left|Almond flowers]]
 
[[Image:Urueña almendro1 lou.jpg|thumb|Almond tree in [[Spain]].]]
 
The almond is highly revered in some cultures.
 
 
 
The tree grows in [[Syria]] and [[Israel]], and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. The Hebrew name, "shaked," means industrious or vigilant, which is appropriate, as the almond is one of the first trees to flower in Israel, usually in early February, coinciding with Tu Bishvat, the Jewish arbor day.
 
 
 
In ancient Israel, the almond was a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering, symbolizing God's sudden and rapid punishment of His people; in [[Jeremiah]] 1:11-12, for instance.  In the [[Bible]] the almond is mentioned ten times, beginning with [[Genesis]] 43:11, where it is described as "among the best of fruits". In [[Book of Numbers|Numbers]] 17 [[Levi]] is chosen from the other tribes of Israel by [[the Rod of Aaron|Aaron's rod]], which brought forth almond flowers. According to tradition, the rod of Aaron bore sweet almonds on one side and bitter on the other; if the Israelites followed the Lord, the sweet almonds would be ripe and edible, but if they were to forsake the path of the Lord, the bitter almonds would predominate. The almond blossom supplied a model for the [[menorah]] which stood in the [[Holy Temple]], "Three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on one branch, with a knob and a flower; and three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on the other...on the candlestick itself were four cups, shaped like almond blossoms, with its knobs and flowers"  ([[Book of Exodus|Exodus]] 25:33-34; 37:19-20). Similarly, Christian symbolism often uses almond branches as a symbol of the [[Virgin Birth]] of [[Jesus]]; paintings often include almonds encircling the [[Child Jesus|baby Jesus]] and as a symbol of [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Mary]]. 
 
 
 
The word "[[Luz]]", which appears in [[Book of Genesis|Genesis]] 30:37, is usually translated as "[[hazel]]", but some believe it is another name for the almond (Luz in Arabic means Almonds). In India, consumption of almonds is believed to be good for the brain, while the [[China|Chinese]] consider it a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty.
 
 
 
==Possible health benefits==
 
  
 
[[Edgar Cayce]], a man regarded as the father of American [[holistic medicine]], also highly favored the almond. In his readings, Cayce often recommended that almonds be included in the [[diet (nutrition)|diet]]. Claimed health benefits include improved [[complexion]], improved movement of food through the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] and the prevention of [[cancer]].
 
[[Edgar Cayce]], a man regarded as the father of American [[holistic medicine]], also highly favored the almond. In his readings, Cayce often recommended that almonds be included in the [[diet (nutrition)|diet]]. Claimed health benefits include improved [[complexion]], improved movement of food through the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] and the prevention of [[cancer]].
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In [[Ayurveda]], the Indian System of Medicine, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system.  It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.  Almond oil is called ''Roghan Badam'' in both Ayurveda and Unani Tibb (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine).  It is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.<ref>Puri, H.S. (2003)  RASAYANA:  Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation.  Taylor and Francis, London, almond pages 59-63.</ref>
 
In [[Ayurveda]], the Indian System of Medicine, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system.  It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.  Almond oil is called ''Roghan Badam'' in both Ayurveda and Unani Tibb (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine).  It is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.<ref>Puri, H.S. (2003)  RASAYANA:  Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation.  Taylor and Francis, London, almond pages 59-63.</ref>
  
==Etymology==
 
The word 'almond' comes from Old French ''almande'' or ''alemande'', late Latin ''amandola'', derived through a form ''amingdola'' from the Greek ''αμυγδαλη'' (cf [[Amygdala]]), an almond. The al- for a- may be due to a confusion with the Arabic article ''al'', the word having first dropped the a- as in the Italian form ''mandorla''; the British pronunciation ''ah-mond'' and the modern Catalan ''ametlla'' and modern French ''amande'' show the true form of the word.
 
  
==See also==
+
==Cultural importance of almonds==
* [[Almond milk]], a milky drink made from ground almonds, similar to soy milk
+
[[Image:Almond blossoms closeup.jpg|thumb|left|Almond flowers]]
* [[Almond biscuit|Almond Biscuit]]
+
[[Image:Urueña almendro1 lou.jpg|thumb|Almond tree in [[Spain]].]]
* [[Almond Joy]], a [[candy bar]]
+
The almond is highly revered in some cultures.
* [[Turrón]], a nougat-like Spanish dessert made from almonds
+
 
* [[Nougat]]
+
The tree grows in [[Syria]] and [[Israel]], and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. The Hebrew name, "shaked," means industrious or vigilant, which is appropriate, as the almond is one of the first trees to flower in Israel, usually in early February, coinciding with Tu Bishvat, the Jewish arbor day.
* [[Fruit trees]]
+
 
* [[Fruit tree forms]]
+
In ancient Israel, the almond was a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering, symbolizing God's sudden and rapid punishment of His people; in [[Jeremiah]] 1:11-12, for instance.  In the [[Bible]] the almond is mentioned ten times, beginning with [[Genesis]] 43:11, where it is described as "among the best of fruits". In [[Book of Numbers|Numbers]] 17 [[Levi]] is chosen from the other tribes of Israel by [[the Rod of Aaron|Aaron's rod]], which brought forth almond flowers. According to tradition, the rod of Aaron bore sweet almonds on one side and bitter on the other; if the Israelites followed the Lord, the sweet almonds would be ripe and edible, but if they were to forsake the path of the Lord, the bitter almonds would predominate. The almond blossom supplied a model for the [[menorah]] which stood in the [[Holy Temple]], "Three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on one branch, with a knob and a flower; and three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on the other...on the candlestick itself were four cups, shaped like almond blossoms, with its knobs and flowers"  ([[Book of Exodus|Exodus]] 25:33-34; 37:19-20). Similarly, Christian symbolism often uses almond branches as a symbol of the [[Virgin Birth]] of [[Jesus]]; paintings often include almonds encircling the [[Child Jesus|baby Jesus]] and as a symbol of [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Mary]]
* [[Pruning fruit trees]]
+
 
* [[Fruit tree propagation]]
+
The word "[[Luz]]", which appears in [[Book of Genesis|Genesis]] 30:37, is usually translated as "[[hazel]]", but some believe it is another name for the almond (Luz in Arabic means Almonds). In India, consumption of almonds is believed to be good for the brain, while the [[China|Chinese]] consider it a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty.
* [[List of edible seeds]]
+
 
 +
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
 +
<ref>Agricultural marketing Service, USDA. 2006. [http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/modockets/FV069812FR.htm "Marketing Order 981: California Almonds", Federal Register, Docket No. FV06-981-2 FR</ref>
 +
  
 
* Bender, D. A., and A. E. Bender. 2005. ''A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition''. New York:  Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198609612.
 
* Bender, D. A., and A. E. Bender. 2005. ''A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition''. New York:  Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198609612.
  
 
;<ref>{{cite journal | last = Cantor  | first = Doug  | coauthors = Fleischer, Jeff; Green, John and Israel, David L  | title = The Fruit of the Matter  | journal = [[mental floss]]  | volume = 5  | issue = 4  | pages = 12  | date = July/August 2006}}</ref> the prussic acid must be removed before consumption.
 
;<ref>{{cite journal | last = Cantor  | first = Doug  | coauthors = Fleischer, Jeff; Green, John and Israel, David L  | title = The Fruit of the Matter  | journal = [[mental floss]]  | volume = 5  | issue = 4  | pages = 12  | date = July/August 2006}}</ref> the prussic acid must be removed before consumption.
 +
 +
<ref>[[Jared Diamond]],  ''[[Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies]]'' (New York: Norton, 1999), p. 118.</ref>
 +
 +
(Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), USDA. 2004.  [http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/Hort_Circular/2004/12-10-04/12-04%20Almonds.pdf World Almond Situation and Outlook].
  
 
* Herbst, S. T. 2001. ''The New Food Lover's Companion: Comprehensive Definitions of Nearly 6,000 Food, Drink, and Culinary Terms. Barron's Cooking Guide''. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 0764112589
 
* Herbst, S. T. 2001. ''The New Food Lover's Companion: Comprehensive Definitions of Nearly 6,000 Food, Drink, and Culinary Terms. Barron's Cooking Guide''. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 0764112589
 +
 +
 +
*Zohary, D., and M. Hopf. 2000. ''Domestication of Plants in the Old World: The Origin and Spread of Cultivated Plants in West Asia, Europe, and the Nile Valley''. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198503571.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 01:49, 27 August 2007


Almond
Almonds in and out of shell
Almonds in and out of shell
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Prunoideae
Genus: Prunus
Subgenus: Amygdalus
Species: P. dulcis
Binomial name
Prunus dulcis
(Mill.) D. A. Webb

Almond is a small deciduous tree, Prunus amygdalus (syn. Prunus dulcis, or Amygdalus communis) belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae. It is also the name of the ellipsoidal nut-like kernal of this tree. There are two main types of almonds. One variety (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) produces sweet almonds, which are edible, and may be eaten raw or roasted or pressed for the almond oil (Bender and Bender 2005). The other variety (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) produces bitter almonds, which are used for almond oil, but whe raw also may yield dangerous amounts of prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) (from the enzyme emulsin acting on a soluble glucoside, amygdalin).

Description

The almond plant is classified in the genus Prunus, which also includes plums, cherries, peaches, and apricots. There are around 430 species of Prunus spread throughout the northern temperate regions of the globe.

The Prunus genus is in the rose family, Rosaceae, one of the largest families of flowering plants with about 3,400 species. In addition to the above, it includes such notable plants as apples, berries, the hawthorn tree, the mountain ash, and many others.

File:AlmondFlower.jpg
Almond blossom giving way to leaf shoots

Within Prunus, the almond plant is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus. It is distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. The sweet fleshy outer covering of other members of Prunus, such as the plum and cherry, is replaced by a leathery coat called the hull, which contains inside a hard shell the edible kernel, commonly called a nut in culinary terms. However, in botanical terms, an almond is not a true nut. In botanical parlance, the reticulated hard stony shell is called an endocarp, and the fruit, or exocarp, is a drupe, having a downy outer coat.

The almond tree is a native of southwest Asia. The domesticated form can ripen fruit as far north as the British Isles. It is a small tree, growing to 4–9 meters tall. The leaves are lanceolate, 6–12 centimeters long, and serrated at the edges. The flowers are white or pale pink, 3–5 cm diameter with five petals, produced before the leaves in early spring.

Sweet and bitter almonds

Unripe almond on tree

There are two forms of the plant, one (often with white flowers) producing sweet almonds, and the other (often with pink flowers) producing bitter almonds. The kernel of the former contains a fixed oil and emulsion. As late as the early 20th century, the oil was used internally in medicine, with the stipulation that it must not be adulterated with that of the bitter almond. It remains fairly popular in alternative medicine, particularly as a carrier oil in aromatherapy, but has fallen out of prescription among doctors.

The bitter almond is rather broader and shorter than the sweet almond, and contains about 50% of the fixed oil that also occurs in sweet almonds. It also contains the enzyme emulsin which, in the presence of water, acts on a soluble glucoside, amygdalin, yielding glucose, cyanide, and the essential oil of bitter almonds or benzaldehyde. Bitter almonds may yield from 6 to 8% of hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid). Extract of bitter almond was once used medicinally but even in small doses effects are severe and in larger doses can be deadly (Cantor et al. 2006).

Although the toxicity of prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) in bitter almonds is destroyed when the nuts are heated, the sale of bitter almonds in prohibited in the United States (Herbst 2001).

The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for alcohol intoxication. Folklore claims that almonds are poisonous for foxes.

Origin and history

The wild form of domesticated almond grows in the Mediterranean region in parts of the Levant; almonds are considered to have first been cultivated in this region. Domesticated almonds appear in the Early Bronze Age (3000–2000 B.C.E.) of the Near East, or possibly a little earlier. A well-known archaeological example of almond is the fruits found in Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt (c. 1325 B.C.E.), probably imported from the Levant.

Zohary and Hopf (2000) believe that almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit-trees due to "the ability of the grower to raise attractive almonds from seed. Thus, in spite of the fact that this plant does not lend itself to propagation from suckers or from cuttings, it could have been domesticated even before the introduction of grafting."

Before cultivation and domestication occurred, wild almonds were harvested as food and doubtless were processed by leaching or roasting to remove their toxicity. However, the sweet forms of domesticated almonds are not toxic. Diamond (1999) argues that a common genetic mutation causes an absence of glycoside amygdalin, and this mutant was grown by early farmers, "at first unintentionally in the garbage heaps and later intentionally in their orchards."

Almond is called Lawz in Arabic, Baadaam in Persian , Urdu and Hindi.

Production

Global production of almonds is around 1.5 million metric tons, varying in recent years between 1 million tons in 1995 and 1.85 million ton in 2002, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAS 2004) Major producers include Greece, Iran, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Syria, Turkey, and the world's largest producer, the United States.

Almond Farm in central California

In Turkey, most of the production comes from the Datca peninsula. In Spain, numerous commercial cultivars of sweet almond are produced, most notably the Jordan almond (imported from Málaga) and the Valencia almond. In the United States, production is concentrated in California, with almonds being California's sixth leading agricultural product and its top agricultural export. California exported almonds valued at 1.08 billion dollars in 2003, about 70% of total California almond crop.

Almond output in 2005

Because of cases of Salmonella traced to almonds in 2001 and 2004, in 2006 the California Almond Board proposed and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved rules regarding the nature of almonds available to the public. In a rule approved in 2006, from September 1, 2007, raw almonds were to no be longer available in the United States (AMS 2006). Controversially, almonds labeled as "raw" are required to be steam pasteurized or chemically treated with propylene oxide (AMS 2006).

Pollination

The pollination of California's almonds is the largest annual managed pollination event in the world, with close to one million hives (nearly half of all beehives in the USA) being trucked in February to the almond groves. Much of the pollination is managed by pollination brokers, who contract with migratory beekeepers from at least 38 states for the event.

Flowering branch of an almond tree

Use of almonds

Almond oil

"Oleum Amygdalae," the fixed oil, is prepared from either variety of almond and is a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odor and a nutty taste. It is almost insoluble in alcohol but readily soluble in chloroform or ether. It may be used as a substitute for olive oil.

The sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the plant. This oil has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session, being considered by many to be an effective emollient.

Almond syrup

Historically, almond syrup was an emulsion of sweet and bitter almonds usually made with barley syrup (orgeat syrup) or in a syrup of orange-flower water and sugar.

Grocer's Encyclopedia notes that "Ten parts of sweet almonds are generally employed to three parts of bitter almonds", however due to the cyanide found in bitter almonds, modern syrups generally consist of only sweet almonds. Template loop detected: Template:Grocers

Culinary uses

Smoked and salted almonds
Raw almonds

While the almond is most often eaten on its own, raw or toasted, it is used in some dishes. It, along with other nuts, is often sprinkled over desserts, particularly sundaes and other ice cream based dishes. It is also used in making baklava and nougat. There is also almond butter, a spread similar to peanut butter, popular with peanut allergy sufferers and for its less salty taste. The young, developing fruit of the almond tree can also be eaten as a whole ("green almonds"), when it is still green and fleshy on the outside, and the inner shell has not yet hardened. The fruit is somewhat sour, and is available only from mid April to mid June; pickling or brining extends the fruit's shelf life.

The sweet almond itself contains practically no carbohydrates and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and biscuits for low carbohydrate diets or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or any other form of glycosuria. A standard serving of almond flour, 1 cup, contains 20 grammes of carbohydrates, of which 10 g is dietary fibre, for a net of 10 g of carbohydrate per cup. This makes almond flour very desirable for use in cake and bread recipes by people on carbohydrate-restricted diets.

Almonds can be processed into a milk substitute simply called almond milk; the nut's soft texture, mild flavour, and light colouring (when skinned) make for an efficient analog to dairy, and a soy-free choice, for lactose intolerant people, vegans, and so on. Raw, blanched, and lightly toasted almonds all work well for different production techniques, some of which are very similar to that of soymilk and some of which actually use no heat, resulting in "raw milk" (see raw foodism).

Sweet almonds are used in marzipan, nougat, and macaroons, as well as other desserts. Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g.[1] They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two "good" fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.

The Marcona variety of almond, which is shorter, rounder, sweeter, and more delicate in texture than other varieties, originated in Spain and is becoming popular in North America and other parts of the world.[2] Marcona almonds are traditionally served after being lightly fried in oil, and are also used by Spanish chefs to prepare a dessert called turrón.

In China, almonds are used in a popular dessert when they are mixed with milk and then served hot. In Indian cuisine, almonds are the base ingredient for pasanda-style curries.

Medicinal uses

Edgar Cayce, a man regarded as the father of American holistic medicine, also highly favored the almond. In his readings, Cayce often recommended that almonds be included in the diet. Claimed health benefits include improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon and the prevention of cancer. [3] Recent research associates inclusion of almonds in the diet with elevating the blood levels of high density lipoproteins and of lowering the levels of low density lipoproteins. [4][5]

In Ayurveda, the Indian System of Medicine, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity. Almond oil is called Roghan Badam in both Ayurveda and Unani Tibb (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine). It is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.[6]


Cultural importance of almonds

Almond flowers
Almond tree in Spain.

The almond is highly revered in some cultures.

The tree grows in Syria and Israel, and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. The Hebrew name, "shaked," means industrious or vigilant, which is appropriate, as the almond is one of the first trees to flower in Israel, usually in early February, coinciding with Tu Bishvat, the Jewish arbor day.

In ancient Israel, the almond was a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering, symbolizing God's sudden and rapid punishment of His people; in Jeremiah 1:11-12, for instance. In the Bible the almond is mentioned ten times, beginning with Genesis 43:11, where it is described as "among the best of fruits". In Numbers 17 Levi is chosen from the other tribes of Israel by Aaron's rod, which brought forth almond flowers. According to tradition, the rod of Aaron bore sweet almonds on one side and bitter on the other; if the Israelites followed the Lord, the sweet almonds would be ripe and edible, but if they were to forsake the path of the Lord, the bitter almonds would predominate. The almond blossom supplied a model for the menorah which stood in the Holy Temple, "Three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on one branch, with a knob and a flower; and three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on the other...on the candlestick itself were four cups, shaped like almond blossoms, with its knobs and flowers" (Exodus 25:33-34; 37:19-20). Similarly, Christian symbolism often uses almond branches as a symbol of the Virgin Birth of Jesus; paintings often include almonds encircling the baby Jesus and as a symbol of Mary.

The word "Luz", which appears in Genesis 30:37, is usually translated as "hazel", but some believe it is another name for the almond (Luz in Arabic means Almonds). In India, consumption of almonds is believed to be good for the brain, while the Chinese consider it a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty.


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

[7]


  • Bender, D. A., and A. E. Bender. 2005. A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198609612.
[8] the prussic acid must be removed before consumption.

[9]

(Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), USDA. 2004. World Almond Situation and Outlook.

  • Herbst, S. T. 2001. The New Food Lover's Companion: Comprehensive Definitions of Nearly 6,000 Food, Drink, and Culinary Terms. Barron's Cooking Guide. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 0764112589


  • Zohary, D., and M. Hopf. 2000. Domestication of Plants in the Old World: The Origin and Spread of Cultivated Plants in West Asia, Europe, and the Nile Valley. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198503571.

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  1. White G. "Vitamin E and Minerals: Nutrition from Nuts." AllAboutVision.com. Retrieved August 20, 2006.
  2. Marcona almonds
  3. Davis, PA and Iwahashi CK. (2001). Whole almonds and almond fractions reduce aberrant crypt foci in a rat model of colon carcinogenesis.. Cancer Letters 165(1): 27-33.
  4. Almonds and cholesterol at scienceblog.com
  5. Positive effect of almonds on blood lipids at the Journal of the Americal College of Nutrition
  6. Puri, H.S. (2003) RASAYANA: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation. Taylor and Francis, London, almond pages 59-63.
  7. Agricultural marketing Service, USDA. 2006. [http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/modockets/FV069812FR.htm "Marketing Order 981: California Almonds", Federal Register, Docket No. FV06-981-2 FR
  8. Cantor, Doug and Fleischer, Jeff; Green, John and Israel, David L (July/August 2006). The Fruit of the Matter. mental floss 5 (4): 12.
  9. Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (New York: Norton, 1999), p. 118.