The almond is botanically a stone fruit related to the cherry, the plum, and the peach.
Facts about Almonds
Place in History:
Historians generally agree that almonds and dates, both mentioned in the Old Testament
of the Bible, were among the earliest cultivated foods.
In classical times, the Romans distributed sugared almonds as gifts to great men at public
and private events.
In the mid-1700s, the Franciscan Padres planted almond trees to grace their missions
along El Camino Real (The Royal Road) that stretches along the California coast from
San Diego to Sonoma.
Distributing sugared almonds wrapped in tulle as a wedding favor is a tradition that dates
back to early European history. These almond "bonbonieres" symbolize children,
happiness, romance, good health and fortune.
Discovering its Origins:
The earliest varieties of almonds were found
in China carried by traders down the ancient
silk road to Greece, Turkey, and the Middle
East.
The almond is botanically a stone fruit related
to the cherry, the plum, and the peach.
Legendary Myths:
According to superstition: If you eat almonds
before taking a drink, you will reduce your
chances of getting drunk and avoid having a hangover.
According to French Novelist, Colette: "Don't eat too many almonds, they add weight to
the breasts."
International Influence:
A source of protein and calcium, it is common among Japanese teenagers to enjoy
snacking on a mixture of dried sardines and slivered almonds.
Nearly 80 countries import California almonds, with Germany, Spain and Japan at the top
of export consumption.
California's Core:
Almonds were introduced to California in the mid 1700s. The state's 6,000 almond
growers produce 100 percent of the commercial domestic supply and nearly 80 percent of
the world's supply.
Almonds are California's largest tree nut crop in total dollar value and acreage, and the
largest food export market in California.