Adding Smoked Almonds To Your Diet

By Lucille Lamb


Smoked almonds actually come from a fruit tree. There are millions of tons sold each year. The biggest producer of this nut is the United States. Some people are unaware that the wild almond is bitter and can be deadly; in fact, this seed is the basic form of cyanide.

Almonds grow on trees; what people traditionally think of as a nut is actually the fruit of the tree. Before they mature the fruit can be eaten, although it is sour and it is a delicacy in some countries. Once it is mature the outer portion hardens and is not edible so the shell is removed and the inner seed is eaten raw or after it has been processed further. These are some of the first nuts that people harvested and they originated in the Mediterranean; they have actually been found in some tombs that date back more than 3,000 years.

More than two million tons of almonds are produced every year; nearly 80% of these by the United States. The biggest producers are in California and this is a major export for the state. Nearly three billion dollars comes into the country from this export, primarily from the shelled nut.

There are two types of almonds, bitter and sweet. Eating the bitter, wild one can lead to death; in fact, cyanide is distilled from the seed. The sweet ones are those that most people are aware of and are the only ones that are produced commercially. They come in many varieties such as chocolate covered, raw, roasted, salted, as well as numerous other flavors.

While many people just eat the nuts, they can also be used in preparing many foods. Cookies, cakes, candies, and even savory dishes are often made from this versatile nut. Additionally, they can be found not only sliced and flaked, but also in the form of flour, butter, and milk. A lot of people like to use them as an alternative to other higher carbohydrate ingredients.

One thing about this nut is that it has been shown to be a great source of healthy fat. This nut is also high in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is good for both the nervous system and the heart and reduces sugar after eating. They are high in calcium and vitamin E as well as protein. Eating too many would not be healthy but that is true of most foods.

There are several different ways of smoking nuts. Some people put them on a pan or sheet and put them on a fire. Manufacturers usually use a form of this in factories with large equipment. There is also a cold method that is slow and complex but some people still use it. Many times it depends on how they feel the seeds will be used.

Smoked almonds come in many flavors and are made in a couple of different ways. They can be made at home by simply placing them on a pan over a fire. Most, however, are made in a factory from either a hot or cold method. They are a fantastic source of many vitamins and, when used as a healthy snack, can be a great addition to your daily diet.




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