Crack a tasty almond fruit and discover a wealth of nutrients

One of the few fruit trees that my family took great care of on our farm is the almond tree. I grew up meditating on the benefits and beauty of this species. During the last days of winter and early days of spring, I keep wandering from tree to tree, photographing the sublime view of the white fragrant flowers and capturing the moment of birth and blossoming while inhaling the delightful scent.

During all other seasons, we crack the almond fruits while enjoying intimate and warm family gatherings. I learned to appreciate all blessings of nature and to appreciate this species a little more; it is truly worth the respect for the varied options, sweet recipes, and loads of health benefits it offers.

Can you eat the whole fruit?

You must have been familiar with the almond seed; it is consumed either raw or roasted and flavored. Yet, the exotic part of this species is that you can eat the whole fruit.

Almonds are from the family of Prunus, which is the same family of cherries, peaches, and apricots. Unlike the later ones, however, the outer shell of almonds is removed and you only eat the inner seed.

Growing up in a family that grows almond trees, I discovered early that the green outer shell can be eaten while still not yet ripe. In most North African and middle eastern countries you will find that this normal habit.

As soon as the fruit is formed and while it is still soft and watery, you can eat it, both three layers together. The outer shell, which usually drops when fully ripened, the one in the middle that didn’t harden yet, and the jelly-like seed inside offer a sweet taste combined.

It is completely safe to eat and has no bad effects. You just need to wash it carefully to get rid of the fuzzy surrounding and any dust clinging to the fruit.

You can eat as it is or you can slice it and add it to salads or any vegetable dish. It is definitely worth trying. Remember that once the outer shell splits it can no longer be eaten. Try to find some during the early season because they don’t last long.

Benefits of almonds:

Nutritional profile:

In 28 g of almonds, you can find the following nutrients, according to the US. Food and Drug Administration:

• Calories: 164
• Total fat 14.2 g
• Carbohydrate 6.11 g
• Fiber 3.54 g
• Sugars 1.23g
• Calcium 76.3 mg
• Iron 1.05 mg
• Magnesium 76.5 mg
• Potassium 208 mg
• Vitamin E 7.27 mg
• Riboflavin 0.323 mg

Protein in almonds:

Almonds are the powerhouses of protein; each serving contains at least 6 grams of protein. Protein in almonds assists in several bodily functions. It is a cornerstone for building bones, muscles, hair, skin, and different parts of the body. It helps in repairing damaged cells and tissues. Protein creates enzymes that aid in digestion along with other necessary chemicals.

It also plays a crucial role in hormone regulation and blood circulation. It is vital for overall health and body regeneration. Besides, it fills you up quickly and quenches feelings of hunger and hence can help you control your food cravings and keep perfect weight. Make sure you list almonds as your most beneficial snack.

Carbohydrates in almonds:

One serving of 28 grams contains roughly 6 grams of carbohydrates. Calories from carbs do not exceed 15 %. These fruits are low in carbs, though not as much as other nuts and fruits. To avoid the bad effects of carbohydrates in almonds you can simply control your consumption. A handful daily is a perfect snack, especially for its high protein content. A few carbs cannot overshadow the benefits of almonds.

Flavored almonds: pleasure in the mouth

There exist several varieties of flavored almonds. Most people enjoy the crunchy raw fruit, and most experts advise that you consume raw almonds because they maintain their inherent nutrients more than flavored ones. Yet, the good news is that you can enjoy almonds in a variety of ways and a myriad of recipes.

You can roast almonds to make them crunchier; salt can be added or you can do without it if you are trying to avoid salty foods.

Fruits that you find on groceries’ shelves are extremely varied. You can find those flavored with caramel, chocolate, and a wide range of possibilities.

The almond fruit is one of the healthiest and sweetest fruits that you can imagine. Make it a part of your diet and reap the tremendous benefits. If you are looking for excellent quality almonds, take a look at Ebastores’ products page. They have premium peerless almonds.