Almond extract

Not many people know that almonds belong to the genus plum. Almond fruits are often classified as nuts, but this is not true. Almonds are similar in shape to apricot stone.

The almond tree is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. In the cooking of these countries, almonds began to be used thousands of years ago. The national cuisines of Indonesia and China are distinguished by the extensive use of almonds in the preparation of meat dishes and rice.

There are several subspecies of almonds - bitter and sweet. Almonds are referred to as stone fruits, which means that inside the fruit there is a peculiar, but bone. Fruits contain fatty and essential oils. In addition to oils, almonds include vegetable proteins, carotene, vitamins.

It is the oils and fats of sweet almonds that are used to produce almond extract. Often in culinary recipes you can find another name for almond extract - essence. Almond extract in the form of an odorless light oil is used in cosmetics production and in pharmaceutical production. In cooking, it has long been customary to consume almond fruits raw as additions to desserts or salads.

Almonds are toasted and added to second courses. But almonds are most used in baking and in the manufacture of sweets (chocolate), as well as drinks (almond liquor). Almond extract is used in the manufacture of desserts and bakery products to give the finished products a characteristic almond smell and taste.

Almond extract is considered the same almond substitute as almond butter or essence. You can find healthy and natural almond extract on sale, then along with excellent taste qualities you can also get benefits for your body.

However, in mass use, substitutes for natural almond extract are currently common. These substances are similar in smell and taste, but have nothing to do with the beneficial properties of almonds. Most European desserts contain almond extract.

Demand gives rise to supply, so almond extract manufacturers began to make their product not from sweet almonds (natural almond oils), but from bitter ones. Thus, the process of producing almond extract is significantly accelerated and does not entail serious financial costs.

Natural almond extract has a beneficial effect on the human immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties, strengthens our heart and of course heals the skin. Almond extract from sweet almond is used in making light air fruit desserts and ice cream. Bitter almond extract is best used for baking cookies, pies and other bakery products.