8 Surprising Facts about Almonds

How much do you know about this delicious superfood?

1 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Amazing almonds

One of the quintessential superfoods, almonds are packed with protein and vitamin E and are also a great source of fiber, calcium and iron. We set out to learn more about this healthful nut by visiting a family-run almond orchard in Arbuckle, California, which grows and harvests almonds for Almond Breeze. Test your knowledge by checking out these eight facts you might not know about almonds. Click below for more almond facts to savour.

2 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Bitter bees

Almond Facts: Bees are an important part of almonds growth. A good crop is highly dependent on bees pollinating the trees during blooming season, which means almond growers are very careful to create the perfect environment for the bees to prosper. Interestingly, honey made from bees who have pollinated almond trees is bitter and cannot be consumed as is. So it’s blended with other types of honey for a better taste.

3 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Snow birds

Almond Facts: Almond trees are incredibly sensitive to cold temperatures making it a constant battle to ensure that the air around the orchard stays above a certain temperature to protect the crop. “That’s one of the risks I take,” shares Michael Doherty, an almond grower. “If the temperature hits -2 or -3 °C degrees during blooming season, I would lose my whole crop.”

4 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Calorie count

Almond Facts: Almond milk contains a surprisingly low amount of calories. One cup of almond milk is just 30 calories, or about half the amount of calories for the same amount of cow’s milk. For the lowest calorie count, try the unsweetened almond milk variety.

5 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Superfood powerhouse

Almond Facts: With six grams of protein per ounce, 12 different vitamins and minerals and a high amount of good-for-you monounsaturated fat, almonds have a myriad of nutritional benefits. They also happen to be a good source of magnesium.

6 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

 Family matters

Almond Facts: As a drupe, almonds are part of the same family as cherries, peaches and mangoes. Next time you eat a peach, notice that the pit resembles an almond.

7 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

 Variety is the spice of life

Almond Facts: There are over 30 different varieties of almonds. Some of the most common are Nonpareils, Mission and California. They vary in taste and husk size.

8 / 9
photo credit: shutterstock

Sunshine State

Almond Facts: Eight out every 10 almonds produced in the world comes from California. The region’s climate is quite favourable to the growing of the crop and to the sensitivity of almonds trees to both temperature and pollination.

9 / 9
almond facts_ almonds on pancakes
photo credit: shutterstock

Think outside the box

Almond Facts: While whole almonds are delicious toasted and enjoyed on top of oatmeal or yogurt, and almond milk is the perfect addition to smoothies, there are so many more things you can use them for. Try using ground almonds as a base for tarts, bars and squares, or as a breading for chicken or fish. Swap almond milk for milk to make béchamel sauce, French toast or creamy mashed potatoes.

Newsletter Unit