Almond
This nut is the kernel of the fruit of the almond tree. Grown extensively in California, the Mediterranean, Australia and South Africa. There are two types: sweet (what you eat) and bitter (used to flavor extracts, syrups and liqueurs). The bitter type is illegal to sell in the United States because when raw it contains traces of lethal prussic acid, which is destroyed on heating.
Plural
Almonds
Season
available year-round
How to select
Available blanched, unblanched, whole, sliced, chopped, candied, smoked, in paste form, and many flavors.
How to prepare
Toasting before use in a recipe will intensify the flavor.
Matches well with
apples, apricots, caramel, chocolate, coconut, cream, plums, prunes, raisins, rice, strawberries
Substitutions
equal amount of hazelnuts; 2 tbsp ground almonds=1/4 tsp almond extract for flavoring only