Curiosities about almonds that you did not know

Almonds are a culinary treasure and a very popular food all over the world. They are used to make some of the finest desserts, such as nougat. But there are many curiosities about them that you probably don’t know.

For example, not all almonds are the same. Depending on their origin and variety, their flavor varies, this is the reason why some of the best nougats in the world only use Marcona almonds for their elaboration.

The Marcona almond. A gourmet almond

The Marcona almond is a highly appreciated and recognized variety. Originally from Spain, specifically from the Alicante region, it has a sweet, smooth and delicate flavor, as well as a creamy and crunchy texture. It is considered one of the best almond varieties in the world due to its quality and versatility in the kitchen.

Its shape is rounded and slightly flattened, which gives it a unique appearance. Its shell is smooth and easy to peel, which makes it perfect for direct consumption, especially for making nougat and marzipan.

In addition to its use in baking, Marcona almonds are also used in the preparation of sauces, pestos, salads and savory dishes.

Curiosities about almonds

1. Older than the pharaohs: Almonds have a history dating back more than 5,000 years. In fact, evidence of their consumption has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 3,000 B.C. This means that almonds are older than the Egyptian civilization itself!
2. Relatives of roses: Did you know that almonds are close relatives of roses? Both belong to the Rosaceae family. So, besides being delicious, almonds also have a botanical connection to these beautiful flowers.
3. There are always two: Most of the almonds we consume come in the form of “apricots” or “trunks”. These are two halves that are formed inside a hard shell. It is curious to think that each almond we eat is actually the fruit of a single flower that has been pollinated by bees or other insects.
4. Place of origin: Almonds originated in Central Asia and it is believed that their cultivation began in the mountainous regions of Asia Minor, in what we know today as Turkey. From there, their cultivation spread to different parts of the world, reaching Europe and America.

More things you didn’t know about almonds

• Symbol of good luck: In some cultures, almonds are considered symbols of good luck, fertility and prosperity. At weddings, for example, it is common to give almonds to guests as a gesture of good luck.
• A superfood: In addition to their pleasant taste and texture, almonds are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, fiber, protein and healthy fats. They also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
• Culinary versatility: Almonds are used in a wide variety of dishes and culinary preparations. Whether in the form of butter, flour, milk or simply raw, almonds add a unique flavor and crunchy texture to any recipe.
• Almond oil: Almond oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry due to its benefits for skin and hair. It is also used in therapeutic massages due to its relaxing properties.
• The power of antioxidants: Almonds are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect our cells against free radical damage. These antioxidants can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote healthy skin.

Almonds are a gift of nature that have fascinated civilizations for millennia. From their mysterious origin to their versatility in the kitchen and their health benefits, these little nuts have a lot to offer, so the next time you enjoy some almonds, remember all the curiosities hidden behind their delicious shells!

In Casa Mira we offer nougat of excellent quality, handmade. Our almonds are of the Marcona variety, and the honey we use is rosemary honey. But the best way to find out the excellent quality of our turrones is to taste them.

We invite you to visit and get to know all the variety of nougat and sweets prepared in our workshop in our online store.