Almonds are the single-seeded, plum-sized stone fruits of the almond tree (rosaceae family). almonds are native to the middle east and central asia. the stone fruit encloses a kernel, the actual almond, which is approx. 2 cm long and covered in a light brown seed coat. the seed coat contains antioxidants which protect the oil-rich almonds from penetration by atmospheric oxygen so preventing them from becoming rancid (oxidative rancidity) sweet almonds (prunus amygdalus dulcis): these also include the soft-shelled almond (prunus amygdalus fragilis), which has a porous, highly fragile shell. sweet almonds are generally of an oval, flattened or roundish shape, are tender and have a sweetish flavor.sweet almonds are mainly eaten raw and are also used to produce bakery products, confectionery, marzipan and dessert powder and for roasting. bitter almonds (prunus amygdalus amara): these are generally smaller and more pointed than sweet almonds and have an astringent, bitter flavor. bitter almonds contain approx. 2 - 4% of the glycoside amygdalin, which, in the presence of water and the enzyme emulsin (e.g. in the human digestive tract), releases hydrocyanic (prussic) acid, which is harmful to human health: as few as 7 - 10 bitter almonds eaten raw can cause severe problems and may even be fatal to children. boiling or baking of the bitter almonds drives off most of the hydrocyanic acid so that there is no need to fear any harmful effects from eating them once cooked.bitter almonds are mainly used to produce bitter almond oil. mountain almonds: roundish, flatter and smaller than the other two types, unnotched, bitter flavor.
Belgaum, Karnataka, India
GST : 29AJSPK7589B2ZH
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