Almonds

Preparation, uses, and tips

Because of their mild flavour, almonds are used both as a garnish and as an ingredient in a variety of both sweet and savoury dishes. Sweetened almond paste, called marzipan, is used to make candies and to decorate cakes. Almonds coated with caramelised sugar are called pralines. Almonds can also be made into almond butter, which is used in the same ways as peanut butter, and can be ground into a powder and made into an almond milk drink.

Buying and storing tips

Because of their high oil content, almonds can go rancid quickly. For that reason, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep for a few months. Almonds can be kept frozen for up to a year.

Varieties

Almond varieties are classified as either sweet or bitter. The almonds widely available for eating are known as the sweet almond, of which there are over 100 varieties grown in California alone. The bitter almond contains toxins that are removed from the bitter almond oil before it is used in food production. Bitter almond oil is used primarily as a flavouring, and it is also used to make amaretto liqueur.

Nutrition Highlights

Almonds, 24 whole kernels (1 oz.)
Calories: 164
Protein: 6.0g
Carbohydrate: 5.6g
Total fat: 14.3g
Fiber: 3.3g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin E (7.4 IU)
*Good source of: Magnesium (78mg), and Riboflavin (0.23mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.