Almonds are one of the most popular and widely consumed nuts around the world. Besides having a delicious taste, almonds are also rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamin E, and healthy fats that are good for the body. Not only used as a healthy snack, almonds are also often processed into various forms and food products. In this article, we will discuss the different types and shapes of almonds that are commonly found.
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Almonds are nuts produced from the Prunus Dulcis tree which is native to West Asia. Today, we can find commercially grown almond trees all over the world such as in the United States, Spain, Iran, Morocco to Syria. With its ideal Mediterranean climate, the state of California produces about 70% of the world's almond supply.
Almonds contain several layers starting from the outer skin, shell, and seed. When ripe, the almonds are mechanically harvested, then dried and shipped to almond processing facilities.
Almonds can be classified into sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Sweet almonds are the most commonly consumed type because they have a soft and slightly creamy flavor. While bitter almonds contain amygdalin compounds so they cannot be eaten directly and are usually processed first to remove these harmful compounds.
Differences in almond types are generally made based on factors and characteristics of surface, application, and size. Here are some almond varieties that you need to know.
Non-Pareil is a premium almond variety with a smoother appearance and high quality. These almonds are easy to peel (blanching) so they are often used in various food preparations. Its smooth texture and mild flavor make it widely used as a snack and in the bakery industry.
Carmel is a good alternative to Non-Pareil. It has a slightly coarser texture, but is still suitable for blanching and roasting. This variety is often used in various food preparations, including snacks and cakes.
This variety is versatile and suitable for blanching. California almonds are widely used in various food industries, especially in processed almond products.
Mission has a thicker skin that is not suitable for blanching. However, this variety has a stronger flavor than other varieties. Mission almonds are ideal for roasting and are excellent at retaining flavor when seasoning.
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Almonds are very versatile as they can be used for a variety of dishes. Starting from sweet snacks, pasta, cakes, Peekay pals will find almonds suitable for every dish. Here are the various almond shapes that Peekay pals can find.
In-shell almonds, which are almonds that are still protected by their hard shells. This form is usually used for direct consumption after cracking or in the food industry to preserve the natural freshness of the almonds.
Almonds without the shell, which is the core part of the almond nut. Almond kernels can be consumed directly or further processed into various products such as almond flour or almond butter.
Whole almonds that have gone through a blanching process, which involves soaking in hot water to remove the thin brown skin covering the almonds. Almonds in this form are often used in baking and baked goods because of their smoother texture and brighter color.
Almonds are thinly sliced with their skins still attached. This form is widely used as a topping for cakes, salads, or other dishes because it provides a crunchy texture and an attractive appearance.
Almonds are thinly sliced after a blanching process, so that the skins have been removed. Almonds in this form are mostly used in making baked goods or as an addition in dishes that require a cleaner and softer appearance.
Almonds are cut into thin, elongated bars without the skin. This shape is often used in baking, pastry, and cooking to provide a crunchier texture and attractive aesthetics.
Almonds that have been ground to a fine grain, but still have a coarser texture than almond flour. Ground almonds are often used as a mixture in cake batter, desserts, or as an additive in healthy food preparations.
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Almonds come in a variety of types, varieties, and shapes that can be customized according to your needs. Whether in whole form, sliced, chopped, or processed into flour and milk, almonds remain a healthy choice with various benefits for the body. By understanding the different types, varieties, and shapes of almonds, Peekay pals can choose the most suitable one for their daily needs.
If you want to enjoy a variety of quality almond products, we provide a variety of the best choices, from Selma Blanched Almond Sliced, Selma Blanched Almond Grounded, to Selma Natural Almond Supreme. Roasted almonds such as Blue Diamond Almond in various flavors are also available, as well as refreshing Almond Breeze milk.
Find the best selection of almonds for a healthy lifestyle now! Check out our full catalog and enjoy the benefits of almonds in every meal.
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