Almond

What are Almonds?

Almonds are the edible seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree. These tear-shaped nuts boast a mild, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Packed with nutrients, they're a staple in vegan and vegetarian diets, offering versatility in both sweet and savory plant-based cooking.

What's in a Name?

You might hear almonds called by different names depending on their form. "Whole almonds" refer to the raw, unprocessed nut. "Blanched almonds" have had their skins removed. "Marcona almonds" are a prized Spanish variety. In vegan circles, you'll often hear about "almond milk" or "almond flour" or "almond butter" - all derived from this versatile nut.

How Almonds are Produced?

Almond trees bloom in early spring, their pink-white flowers a sight to behold. After pollination, the fruits develop. These green, fuzzy outer hulls split open as they mature, revealing the almond shell inside.

Farmers shake the trees to harvest the almonds, which are then cleaned and sorted. Some are sold with shells intact, while others are cracked open. For raw almonds, that's it! But they might also be roasted, sliced, or ground into flour, depending on their final use.

Types of Almonds

While there's just one species of almond tree, you'll find several varieties:

Nonpareil: The most popular U.S. variety, known for its smooth, thin shell.
California: A harder shell variety with a rich flavor.
Mission: Smaller almonds with a strong flavor, great for baking.
Marcona: Spanish almonds, shorter and rounder, with a sweeter taste.
Valencia: Another Spanish variety, often used in desserts.

You'll also find almonds processed into various forms: whole, sliced, slivered, chopped, ground (almond flour or meal), and even "milk".

Culinary Magic: Using Almonds in Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking

Almonds are a vegan chef's dream. Whole or chopped, they add crunch to salads or stir-fries. Ground into almond flour, they're perfect for gluten-free baking - try them in vegan cookies or pie crusts.

Almond milk is a staple in dairy-free cooking, great for smoothies or creamy pasta sauces. Almond butter can replace peanut butter in sandwiches or sauces. Try blending soaked almonds into vegan cheese spreads or use them to make a raw vegan tart crust.

Toasted almonds make a great topping for vegan ice cream or yogurt. In savory dishes, they shine in pesto, romesco sauce, or as a crunchy coating for baked tofu. Their versatility makes them indispensable in plant-based kitchens.