Almonds have played a pivotal part in our diets for many years, so they definitely deserve their own day of recognition!
Hot, Arid climates tend to be best for cultivating these nuts. It’s believed that almonds originated in parts of southwest Asia many years ago, and are still being grown in similar climates all throughout the Mediterranean. Countries like Spain and Greece, as far-reaching as California in the US, all the way to Australia- these nuts are enjoyed the world over.
Nutritionally speaking, these nuts are packed full of good fats and protein. A few handfuls a day can help boost your vitamin and essential mineral intake which helps to improve cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk! On top of a myriad of internal health benefits, almonds can also improve your skin's smoothness and can help treat eczema and acne with the fatty acid content in almond oil. The vitamin E content in almonds helps to nourish and hydrate the skin, helping to restore your radiance and combat signs of ageing!
Almonds are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes, both sweet and savoury. Aside from topping pastries with flaked almonds and snacking on them on their own, other ways to enjoy them include creating your own almond milk. This is done by soaking almonds in cold water overnight, and then blending them and straining the mixture- a great alternative to cow’s milk for those who are lactose intolerant!