The scientific name of almond is Prunus dulcis and they are native to the Middle East, India, and North Africa.The taste of almonds may range from sweet to bitter. Both are readily available in markets and can be purchased based upon your taste and cooking use! Sweet almonds are edible, while bitter ones are used for making oil, which is commonly used to add flavor to the food. Almond contains lot of vitamins and minerals and healthy fats. It has lot of health benefits like lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Almond helps to treat respiratory diseases, anemia and it is good for skin and hair and teeth.
Almonds and cholesterol
Almond lowers cholesterol levels and increases vitamin E in the blood.
Almonds and cancer risk
Almonds reduces the cancer risk especially breast cancer.
Almonds and heart disease
Almond improve blood lipids and increase the amount of antioxidants in the bloodstream. It helps to lower the blood pressure and reduces the risk of diseases such as, heart disease.
Almonds and blood sugar
Almondscontrol blood sugar. It contains magnesium which helps to control type 2 diabetes.
Almonds help manage weight
Almonds are high in fiber and proteins and have low carbohydrates which helps to reduce the calories in the body. Thus, managing weight of the body.
Almonds Are Loaded With Antioxidants
Almonds contains lot of antioxidants. It helps to protect against oxidative stress.
Almonds Prevent Harmful Oxidation of LDL Cholesterol
Almonds not only lower LDL in the blood but also protect LDL from oxidation, which is a crucial step in the development of heart disease. Almond skin contains polyphenol antioxidants which prevent oxidation of cholesterol. Thus, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Skin Care with Almonds
almonds helps in maintaining the healthy skin and it is beneficial against hand dermatitis and other skin diseases .
Reduce Inflammation with Almonds
Almonds contain linoleic and linolenic acids which reduces inflammation from the body. It also helps to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol, and they promote healthy skin and hair.
Boost Energy Production with Almonds
Almonds contain manganese, copper, and riboflavin which helps to increase metabolic rate and energy levels in the body.
Good for Pregnancy with Almonds
Almonds reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies as it contains folic acid in it. It also promotes tissue formation and healthy cell growth.
Prevent Constipation with Almonds
Almonds are rich in fiber which prevents in constipation. It also speeds up the digestive process and ensures regular bowel movements.
Almond should be eaten early in the morning. Almond goes well with everything.
How to buy and store almonds
While buying almonds look for the ones that are not split, moldy or stained. They should be uniform in color and are not limp or shriveled. Make sure the smell of almonds should smell and nutty. If the odor of almond is sharp or bitter, then they are rancid. Store shelled almonds in a tightly sealed container, in a cool dry place away from exposure to sunlight. Keeping them cold will further protect them from rancidity and prolong their freshness. Refrigerated almonds will keep for several months, while if stored in the freezer, almonds can be kept for up to a year.
Uses of almond
1. For acne-prone skin
Ingredients
- 1 tsp almond powder
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
Method of use
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl to get a paste.
- Apply this paste on our face and neck.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off using cold water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for the desired result.
2. To brighten your skin
Ingredients
- 1 tsp almond powder
- 2 tsp gram flour
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
Method of use
- In a bowl, take the gram flour.
- Add almond powder and turmeric into it and give it a stir.
- Add enough water in it so as to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on your face and neck.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off using cold water.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week for the best result.
3. For oily skin
Ingredients
- 2 tsp almond powder
- 1 tbsp multani mitti
- Few drops of rose water
Method of use
- In a bowl, add the almond powder and multani mitti.
- Add a few drops of rose water in it so as to get a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste on your face.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off using cold water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for the desired result.
4. For dry skin
Ingredients
- 1 tsp almond powder
- 1 tsp ground oats
- 2 tsp raw milk
Method of use
- Mix almond powder and oats in a bowl.
- Add raw milk in it so as to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on your face and massage your face in circular motions for a few seconds.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off using cold water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for the desired result.
5. For exfoliating the skin
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp almond oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
Method of use
- Mix both the ingredients in a bowl.
- Gently scrub your face in circular motions using this mixture for about 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse it off using cold water.
- Repeat this remedy 1-2 times in a week for the desired result.
6. To rejuvenate the skin
Ingredients
- 1 tsp almond oil
- ½ ripe banana
- 2 drops of vitamin E oil
Method of use
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Add almond oil and vitamin E oil in it and mix everything together well.
- Apply this mixture on your face and neck.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off using lukewarm water.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week for the desired result.
7. To treat dark circles
How To Use Almond For Hair
Ingredients
- ½ tsp almond oil
- ½ tsp honey
Method of use
- Mix both the ingredients together well.
- Before you go to bed, apply this mixture on your under eye area.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Rinse it off in the morning.
- Repeat this remedy 3-4 times a week for the desired result.
8. For smooth hair
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp almond oil
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup banana paste
- 2 tsp honey
Method of use
- In the cup of milk, add the honey and almond oil and give it a stir.
- Next, add the banana paste and mix everything together well.
- Divide your hair into smaller sections and apply the mixture on your hair section by section. Ensure that you cover your hair from the roots to the ends.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off using water.
- Wash your hair using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat this remedy two times in a week for the desired result.
9. For hair growth
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp castor oil
- 1 tbsp almond oil
Method of use
- Mix both the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Warm up the mixture a little.
- Gently massage the mixture on to your scalp and work it into the length of your hair.
- Leave it on for 1 hour.
- Rinse it off using a mild shampoo.
- Repeat this remedy once a month for the desired result.
10. For dry hair
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp almond oil
- 1 egg
Method of use
- Crack open an egg in a bowl.
- Add almond oil in it and whisk both of them together until you get a smooth mixture.
- Rinse your hair and air-dry.
- Divide your hair into sections and apply the mixture on each section.
- Leave it on for 40 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair using a mild shampoo.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for the desired result.
11. For treating split-ends
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp henna
- 1 tsp almond oil
- Water (as needed)
Method of use
- In a bowl, mix the henna and almond oil.
- Add enough water in it so as to get a thick paste.
- Let it rest overnight.
- Dampen your hair in the morning and apply the paste on your hair.
- Cover your hair using a shower cap.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off using a mild cleansing shampoo.
- Repeat this remedy once in a month for the desired result.
12. To add shine to your hair
Ingredients
- 10 drops of almond oil
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
Method of use
- Add apple cider vinegar in the water and give it a good stir.
- Now add honey and almond oil in it and mix everything together well.
- Shampoo your hair as you would normally do.
- Rinse your hair using the almond oil mixture.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Give your hair a final rinse using water and air-dry.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for the desired result.
13. To add volume to your hair
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp almond oil
- Few drops of lavender oil
- Few drops of argan oil
Method of use
- Add lavender oil and argan oil in the almond oil and give it a good mix.
- Warm up the mixture a little.
- Gently massage your scalp using this mixture before you go to bed.
- Shampoo your hair using a mild shampoo in the morning.
- Repeat this remedy once a month for the desired result.
14. To treat dandruff
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp almond oil
- 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil
Method of use
- Mix both the oils together well.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off later.
- Repeat this remedy once in two weeks for the desired result.
Ways to use almonds
Almonds can be consumed in a number of ways, including the following:
- Drink almond milk is a delicious beverage that’s an alternative to cow’s milk
- Topping off your yogurt or oatmeal with these healthy nuts gives them a crunch!
- Grind them into delicious almond butter, add salt, and bake them to be a replacement for junk food
- Include them in your protein or vegetable shakes
- Top a salad with these nuts
- Crushed almonds are also a wonderful garnish for a number of dishes
- Sprinkle them on top of your pizza
- Almonds are used to make frangipane, marzipan, and praline.
- Almonds are also sometimes used in cakes, biscuits, bread, chocolates, ice cream, and certain liqueurs (such as Amandine).
Season in which almond is available
Almond is available from August till November.
How to make Almond Burfi
Ingredients:
1 Cup of blanched almonds
½ Cup of sugar or to your taste
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee
5 Tablespoons of water
Optional:
½ Teaspoon crushed cardamoms
Few strings of saffron
Also needed:
Knife or Pizza cutting wheel
Plastic food wrap or wax paper
Rolling board
Directions:
1. In a blender or nut grinder grind dry skinned almonds and make a fine powder.
2. Heat a nonstick frying pan and add sugar and 5 tablespoons of water and boil over medium heat, stirring frequently for 8 to 10 minutes or until syrup become thick of one thread consistency, means when you touch it with your fingers it should form a single thread (Syrup should reach up to 160 degree temperature)
In a pan add sugar and water and boil
3. To test the consistency of the syrup take a spoon and drop a drop of sugar
syrup on a plate, it should flow a little then get set and not move, when the plate is tilted.
4. If adding saffron then soak the saffron in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Now pour the saffron water through tea strainer to take the leaves out.
5. If you are going to add crushed cardamoms and now and mix.
6. Now add almond powder to the boiling syrup and mix, the paste may look too dry, add 2 tablespoons of water or as needed, stirring constantly. Syrup is ready. Add almond powder in the syrup.
7. Add butter or ghee that will helps to stir and prevent sticking to the bottom, cook for 6 to 8 minutes while keep stirring constantly so that lumps do not form and it does not stick to the bottom and burn, keep the heat on low. Mix the almond powder in the syrup. Add butter and mix.
8. Once the almond paste forms a soft lump and you start seeing the oil and the side of the pan start getting clean turn the heat off and remove the stove.
9. When the almond paste becomes luke warm, transfer it to rolling board.
Grease your hand and pick the paste in your palms and roil in between your palms and make a dough (like roti dough) and place it back on roll board. Roll the dough on the rolling board to make it soft and smooth.
10. Now take a sheet of plastic food wrap or wax paper and place over the dough and with the rolling pin roll it into a ¼” thick big circle, there should not be any cracks on the circle, it should be even and smooth.
11. Lift the plastic sheet or the wax paper, now you have rolled the paste evenly.
Place the plastic sheet over the dough and roll
12. Take a knife or pizza cutter wheel, grease it a little and make the cuts in the spread, either diamond shape or square shapes. For diamond shape first cut one side straight lines and then flips the plate around about 45 degrees and then start cutting diagonally. For square shape cut straight lines both sides.
13. Almond spread will settle in few minutes, take a knife and slide under the spread and pick the Burfi pieces and store them in layers between sheets of wax paper or plastic food wrap in an airtight container.
Cut the paste into burfi shape
Tips:
1. Grind the almonds nuts in a small portion at a time so that they become powder quickly, if you grind the nuts for too long nuts start getting oily.
2. If the almond paste is too dry and you are not able to spread the paste on rolling board nice and smooth, then place the paste back in the frying pan, add 1 or 2 spoons of hot water, mix and cook on low heat, making sure it comes to right consistency.
3 The success of almond Burfi depends on the dough, it should be as soft and smooth as chapati dough. If the dough is hard the Burfi will become too hard if the dough is too soft it will be hard to lift Burfi they will stick to the rolling board.
4. You can buy blanched almonds from grocery store.
How to make Badam halwa recipe
INGREDIENTS
1 cup – 200ml
Badam/Almonds – 1/2 cup (levelled)
Milk – 1/2 cup ( to grind badam)
Sugar – 1/2 cup
Water – 1/4 cup (to melt sugar)
Condensed milk – 2 tbsp
Melted ghee – 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp ( needs 1/2 cup maximum)
Saffron threads – few
Cardamom powder or badam essence – A pinch ( optional)
Yellow food color – A big pinch
METHOD
To peel the skin of badam and to grind it thick using less milk,follow this procedure.Boil badam in water for 1-2 minutes.Leave it in hot water for 5 minutes and remove the skin.It will come off easily ELSE roll boil badam in hot water for a minute,drain the hot water and show the badam under running tap water.Skin will come off easily.
For grinding badam, take badam in a suitable mixie jar and grind it coarsely to the maximum without adding milk or water.Wipe the sides & lid of jar and again grind it adding less milk.wipe and add little more milk.Grind it to a slightly grainy paste.Here i used nearly 1/2 cup of milk for 1/2 cup of peeled badam.Remove the paste in a bowl and set aside.Soak saffron in a tbsp of milk.Add food color to this milk and keep aside.
In the meantime,in another burner,melt 1/2 cup of sugar using 1/4 cup of water.No need to bring any consistency.Just stir the sugar and melt it completely.Switch off
In a good non-stick kadai,add 1 tbsp of ghee and after its heated,simmer the flame to low completely and add the badam paste.Mix well till ghee is absorbed completely.Badam paste will absorb all the ghee and thickens.Now add saffron,food color mixed milk to the badam paste.Mix well.
After the color is well distributed with the mixture,add the sugar water. Mix well.Add condensed milk.
Mix till all the sugar is absorbed by badam and mixture turns liquid. Keep the flame low. Keep mixing else it will burn in the bottom very quickly. When the mixture starts to boil with bubbles, add 1/2 tbsp of ghee. Initially big bubbles will form in the center. The mixture may splutter, take care. Keep mixing with the ladle staying nearby. After 30 seconds, again add 1/2 tbsp of ghee and mix well. Ghee will be absorbed by halwa. Repeat this until u finish half of the ghee.
All big bubbles will subside & Halwa will thicken leaving small air bubbles. Keep mixing in low flame. Again add 1/2 tbsp of ghee and halwa will start to leave the sides of pan. Do not switch off now. Keep adding 1/2 tbsp of ghee in regular interval and mix well.
At one stage,say in 2 minutes, halwa will stop taking ghee & it will start to ooze out little ghee in the sides of pan.ie, when u move the halwa all over the pan,u will see the kadai shining with ghee in the sides..U can find traces of ghee in the sides of non-stick pan. Switch off the flame now, add remaining ghee and remove the halwa in a bowl.
The thing is halwa should leave the sides of pan & oozes little ghee in the pan. Do not wait for more ghee to come out. Remove as soon as you see halwa turning glossy.No problem if the halwa is sticky because it will thicken after it cools down. Just remove & keep in a serving bowl. Leave it untouched for 2-3 hours until it cools down completely. Suppose if u keep mixing for long time after it starts to leave the ghee, halwa will become chewy after it cools down. So be careful. This halwa may not take all the 1/2 cup of ghee. It will take around 1/4 cup + 2-3 tbsp of ghee. Keep in mind, as soon as you see traces of ghee in the sides, remove it & switch off the flame. Add the remaining ghee on top of halwa if u wish.
Note
Do the entire process only in low flame. Though tt takes more time to cook in low flame, it will be safe. Beginners please follow this tip else halwa might burn in the bottom.
Secondly, keep stirring with the ladle without moving away. Stay nearby because the entire procedure gets over in 15 minutes based on the quantity you use.
Lastly, remove the halwa as soon as it starts to leave ghee in sides of pan. No problem even if the halwa is slightly sticky. It will set once it cools down. If u feel,it is very sticky even after cooling down,u can heat the halwa anytime adding few spoons of ghee and bring it to right consistency. But if u over do the mixing,it will become chewy after cooling down which u cannot troubleshoot.
Use mentioned quantity of ghee. If u want to reduce, halwa will turn sticky. At the same time, no need to use 1/2 cup of ghee. It takes 1-2 tbsp lesser.I have given a rough measure. It may vary.
Color of halwa may vary slightly based on the quantity of saffron & food color you use.
Safety profile with Almonds
There are some risks of eating almonds. The common risk is allergy to almonds.
Symptoms of almond allergy can include:
- stomach pain or cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- problems swallowing
- diarrhea
- itching
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
Fun facts on almonds
- Almonds are not, in fact, a true nut.
- The almond is a species of tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
- Wild almonds contain a powerful toxin.
- Some evidence suggests that almonds can lower cholesterol levels.
- Almonds were first domesticated thousands of years ago.
- Almonds quench your thirst for having something crunchy as being the crunchiest of all the dry-fruits.
- Almonds have long storage life and can be refrigerated for up to 2 years. The longer shelf life is due to the fact that they are rich in Vitamin E.
- One of the best known features of Almonds is that they are the best cholesterol regulators.
- 90 percent of fat in almonds is unsaturated. This means that they can be consumed without getting worried about fat.
- Almond flour is gluten free and is healthy and delicious for baking purposes.
- India is a country where almonds are considered as ‘Brain food’ for the children.
- Almonds contain the flavonoid activity that is same as broccoli and green tea. So, you can expect them to be extremely nourishing for your skin.
- It takes 1000 pounds of almonds to make a 1 pint of almond oil.
- Chocolate manufacturers use around 40 percent of world’s total almonds in making delicious and mouth-watery chocolates.
- Almond is misunderstood as a nut. It is rather a seed of a fruit that grows on Almond tree.
- Almonds are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, dietary fibers, and Vitamin B.
- The outer hulls of Almonds are not consumed by humans and are used as a cattle feed all over the world.
- There are around 30 varieties of almonds, but only 10 undergo production for consumption purposes.
- Almonds are the biggest barriers against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
