Wondering about almond varieties? Learn more about the common varieties of almonds and what they’re used for.
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Almond Varieties
Almond flour is one of my favorite low-carb flour to bake with. But, what type of almonds do they use to make almond flour?
If you make your own almond flour, you might be wondering what almond variety you should begin with.
You can use almonds in many different recipes from almond flour desserts to traditional brownies with nuts.
What are the different types of almonds?
There are two main categories of almonds – sweet and bitter. A sweet almond has a mild taste and are the most commonly consumed type of almond in the United States. Bitter almonds, on the other hand, can be toxic when eaten raw, but they are often used to make almond extract, which is why it’s important to know the difference between the two.
There are many different almond varieties in these two categories.
How many almond varieties are there?
Within the sweet and bitter categories, there are many different varieties of almonds. Some of the more popular varieties include Jordan almonds, Marcona almonds, and California almonds.
Jordan Almonds: These almonds have a slightly sweeter flavor than other types and are often used to make almond flour. They can also be used in baking recipes or eaten as a snack.
Marcona: Marcona almonds have an oval shape, are slightly softer and sweeter than regular almonds, and have a golden-brown color. These almonds are usually eaten raw as a snack or lightly fried in oil for added flavor. They are noted for having hard shells.
California Almonds: California almonds include many different varieties such as Nonpareil, Carmel, Monterey, and Mission variety. These almonds have a sweet flavor and are often used in baking or snacking.
No matter what type of almond you use, they all offer great health benefits – such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, being high in protein, and having a low glycemic index – so adding them to your diet is never a bad idea. Experiment with different types of almonds to discover your favorite!
Do you need two almond trees to get almonds?
No, they do not need a second tree to produce almonds. Like other fruit trees, they are self-pollinating so they can produce almonds without an additional tree nearby. However, having more than one almond tree in the vicinity may help increase yields by allowing for cross-pollination.
Where do almonds grow?
They are found in the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Italy and Greece. They were also grown in California beginning in the mid-1800s and have become the largest almond-producing state in the US.
What are California almonds?
The California variety makes up the majority of all U.S. almond production and are some of the most popular types of almonds worldwide. California-grown almonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for snacking, baking, and other culinary uses.
The Madera almond is the most productive variety of almonds with high yields.
What are sweet almonds?
Within the sweet almond category, there are several different varieties. The most common type is known as “Nonpareil” and these have a light tan color with a slightly bitter taste. They are usually used for baking, making almond milk, or in almond flour. They have a paper-thin shell which makes them ideal for this reason.
In addition to Nonpareil almonds, you can also find Mission and Carmel varieties. These have a reddish-brown color, thin skin, and a slightly sweeter taste than Nonpareils. They are commonly used as snacks or in almond butter.
What are ultra almonds?
Ultra almonds are a type of sweet almond developed through cross-breeding and genetic engineering. They have thin skin, a creamy texture, and a sweeter taste than traditional nonpareil almonds. Ultra almonds are considered to be the highest quality and most nutritious variety available and can be used in baking recipes or eaten as a snack.
What are bitter almonds?
These nuts have an intense taste and aroma that is similar to marzipan. They are typically used to make the almond extract and their flavor is too strong for most people to eat them raw. If you find the bitter variety in grocery stores, they are usually sold pre-processed and ready to be used in cooking or baking.
What are Satarbi almonds?
Satarbi almonds are a type of sweet almond that is grown in the Middle East. They have a unique golden-brown color, soft skin, and a mild taste that makes them perfect for baking. They can be found at some specialty grocery stores or online retailers.
These nuts are noted for their paper thin shell and are one of the highest quality almonds available.
What are green almonds?
Green almonds are harvested before they mature and have a crunchy texture similar to apples or pears. They can be found in the springtime at some farmers markets or specialty stores. They can be eaten raw, pickled, or used in marzipans and other confections.
What are raw almonds?
Raw almonds are those that have not been processed or cooked in any way. They can be eaten as is or used in a variety of recipes. Raw almonds are an excellent source of nutrients and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They can also be ground into almond flour for baking purposes.
When do you harvest almonds?
Almonds are typically harvested in the late summer or early fall. The almonds should be allowed to dry on the tree before harvesting, as this helps them develop their full flavor. Depending on the variety and climate, almonds can mature anywhere between mid-August to mid-September.
How do you store almonds?
Once you have harvested your almonds, you will want to store them in a cool dry place. The refrigerator is the ideal location for storing almonds as it helps keep them fresh longer. Almonds can also be frozen up to a year if necessary. When stored properly, almonds can last up to 12 months.
Finally, make sure that your almonds are sealed tightly or stored in airtight containers to keep them from going stale or becoming rancid.
Almonds are a delicious, nutrient-dense superfood that can easily be added to your diet. With so many varieties of almonds available, it is easy to find one that you love and enjoy the health benefits they bring. Enjoy!
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Best almonds for almond flour
Almond flour is made from ground sweet almonds, usually Nonpareil almonds. It is becoming increasingly popular as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is great for low-carb baking. Almond flour can be used in a variety of recipes, such as cookies, cakes, muffins, bread, and pancakes.
Best almond varieties for candy
If you’re making your own chocolates or marzipan, then the sweet almond variety is the way to go. The Mission and Carmel almond varieties are best for these types of recipes because of their slightly sweeter flavor. It is important to remember that bitter almonds cannot be used in this way as they can be toxic when eaten raw.
Best almond varieties for roasting
For a delicious snack, look no further than the California type. Roasting brings out the flavor of these almonds and makes them perfect for snacking or adding to salads and other dishes. Nonpareil, Mission, and Carmel are all great varieties to roast.
Best almonds for almond milk
If you’re looking to make your own almond milk, then sweet California type almonds are the best choice. Nonpareil almonds have a mild flavor and create a nice creamy base for your milk. Mission and Carmel almonds can also be used but they will produce a slightly sweeter taste.
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Best almonds varieties for eating raw
For a healthy snack or topping, look no further than raw California type almonds. Nonpareil and Mission are the best varieties for snacking as they have a mild flavor that is not too sweet or bitter. Carmel almonds can also be eaten raw, but their slightly sweeter taste may be too intense for some people.
No matter what type of almond you use in your cooking or baking, it is important to remember that all almonds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. So enjoy your almond treats knowing that you’re getting some nutritional benefits along with the deliciousness!
No matter which almond varieties you prefer, try a few of my favorite recipes the next time you bake.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 25-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter and a grandma to an adorable girl. She owns 6 blogs and is addicted to social media. She shares simple tips and recipes for baking with almond flour. If you’d like to work together, email info@almondflourbaking.com to chat.