An A -Z of food : A is for Almonds

Of all the nuts available during the Holiday season and beyond, almonds are so evocative in aroma and flavour. If you love almonds, you will be pleased to hear that they are a treat that are pretty healthy too, as they can regulate the metabolism and help you feel full for longer! Here’s some more facts about the lovely almond and ideas on how to use them.

They are not a nut

They are actually stone fruits, like plums and cherries. True nuts, like hazelnuts and chestnuts, are the fruit of a nut tree. Almonds are the seed of the fruit, which is called a drupe. For this reason, sometimes the kernel of apricots or plums can be used as a substitute for almond flour. 

They are a super healthy snack 

Just a handful of almonds mid-morning may help you feel full and keep going until lunch! This is because almonds are a reliable source of protein and ‘healthy fats’ needed by your brain, plus they are high in fibre and trace vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin B2. If you do not like the texture of raw nuts, try almond butter as a delicious alternative to peanut butter.

They are an ancient food, and a symbol of fertility

Almonds were used in Ancient Egypt, and dried almonds were discovered among the burial possessions of Tutankhamun. Almonds are mentioned in the Bible; and there is a Greek God of vegetation, Attis, who was born from an almond according to some legends. Delicate almond blossom is often the first herald of Spring which is why the Romans linked ‘the Greek nut’ to fertility and showered newlyweds with them – and why sugared almonds are gifted to wedding guests in Europe and US to this day 

They are also a symbol of prosperity

There is also a folklore tradition about carrying an almond in your pocket to bring prosperity – maybe that stems from the merchants of the famous Silk Road who used them as snacks as they travelled the trade route between China, the Middle East and Europe. Also, almond cookies baked in the shape of a coin with a flaked almond on top, is a traditional snack to help usher in prosperity for the Chinese New Year.

If you want to include more almonds in your diet, here are a few ways to try. 

Bronze

Marzipan (a confection of sugar and almonds much loved in Tudor times) is used as a layer beneath icing to dress up the classic Christmas and celebratory fruitcake. Battenburg Cake (also covered in marzipan) is a treat which does not have to be confined to Christmas! More generally you can use the ground almonds in your baking; a tablespoon or two can be substituted for flour when making cakes to keep them moist. 

Silver

To use almonds without sugar, which can make it  so much healthier, try using ground almonds as a thickening agent in curries and stews – it works well to add texture as well as enhancing your health! Also why not try almond butter instead of peanut butter? There are many good varieties which are palm oil and sugar free available, and they are very satisfying. There are also sugar free brands of almond milk available if you find that easier to digest. 

Gold 

The best way is to eat almonds, preferably organically sourced, is in their natural form for snacking on. The flaked variety are useful for sprinkling on curries or porridge, or you can have a handful of whole almonds for a wholesome mid-morning snack to help you keep going until lunch. These almonds can be expensive as they need to be well preserved and cherished so you can enjoy them at their best, but they do taste absolutely delicious – just nibbling a small handful is a mindful treat! If you find nuts tough to chew and digest, try them in a ‘nutribullet’ smoothie to reap the benefits in an easier way. 

Recipe Idea 

Macaroons 

Two egg whites 

110g ground almonds 

110g desiccated coconut

100g xylitol (a healthy sugar substitute) or sugar

Beat the egg whites with an electric whisk until fluffy, white, and just beginning to form peaks when the whisk pulls away, but is still soft. Add the xylitol or sugar, ground almonds and coconut, mix together, and place flattened spoonfuls on a greased baking tray (or place in flan tart as one big cookie!). Bake at 150 C  (300 F) or Gas Mark 2  for about 25 minutes or until golden brown outside with the inside still soft.  Let cool on a wire rack.