| | | A lot of folks are nuts about nuts – but one nut in particular has a versatility beyond many others. A frequent cast member of mixed nut ensembles (alongside the cashew), the centerpiece of fan favorite desserts and a shining star as a superfood all on its own, almonds are a dynamic food enjoyed by many but also shrouded in generally unknown controversy. In today’s Daily Dose, we celebrate National Almond Day with a feature on the great almond, including the history of cultivation, some iconic almond-centric dishes, and just for fun, some of its co-stars. | | |
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| The Science | | | 1 - Where are they from? Native to Iran and the surrounding Irano-Turkic region of the Middle East, almonds (officially Prunus dulcis) are now cultivated the world over, with California being the current anchor of the global almond industry – producing 80% of the world’s almonds. As with many other commercially grown crops, there are numerous varieties (upwards of 30), and many are still only locally cultivated in places like Southern Italy, Spain, and Iran. Almonds’ place in history was cemented by their appearance in everything from Greek mythology to the bible, and they were even considered a fertility charm in ancient Rome. |
| 2 - Health Nuts Almonds are recognized as a superfood and are rich in nutrients like Vitamin E, biotin and calcium. It has been said that eating almonds can lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, and even cancer, due in part to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, with research from the American Heart Association suggesting that eating almonds lowers bad cholesterol. Almonds may also extend a hidden benefit to those with type 2 diabetes – with studies showing that almonds’ high magnesium levels can help improve blood sugar levels. |
| 3 - Thirsty Crops Because so many of the world’s almonds are grown in California, the sustainability of continued cultivation has become a source of controversy in the midst of significant droughts in recent years. Some farmers have begun implementing practices like “deficit irrigation” to sustain crops without culling their trees, but almond trees are notoriously thirsty – needing water year-round – and that water has to come from somewhere. "If we're conserving in the cities so that they can grow more almonds, it's simply not fair because it's not benefiting the majority of Californians," said Tom Stokely, a board member for the California Water Impact Network, a nonprofit group advocating for sustainable water use. | | |
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| | | A Culinary Journey | 1 - Khoresht Khalal – Iran A special dish often prepared in times of mourning or celebration, khoresht khalal originates from the city of Kermanshah City in western Iran. It is prepared with sliced almonds, black barberry and lamb meat (sometimes supplemented with beef). It is considered an extravagant dish – hence its traditional appearance in ceremonial settings – and is typically served with rice and butter. If you’re keen to try this traditional dish, check out a recipe here. |
| 2 - Marzipan – Lübeck, Germany Marzipan’s history is one that is storied yet uncertain – some food historians believe it originated in the Middle East (not unsurprising considering the origin story of the almond) while local legend in Lübeck suggests it was invented in the German town. One thing for certain is that Lübeck has become known as its home and where marzipan became known for the treat it is today. Made of two simple ingredients, sugar and almond paste, marzipan was originally accessible only to the noble and wealthy due to the high cost of sugar. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the average citizen was able to experience this delicacy. |
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| Mixed Nuts | | | 1 - Cashews Another common cohort in mixed nut varieties, the cashew’s sweet, creamy texture earns it a prime spot on the best-nut podium. Unlike other fruits, the cashew seed grows on the exterior of the fruit it accompanies (called a cashew apple). Once harvested, cashew apples begin spoiling within 24 hours, and are thus unavailable to virtually anyone not in the vicinity of a cashew orchard. An evergreen shrub related to mangoes and pistachios, cashews are readily grown in tropical climates from South America to Africa to Asia. |
| 2 - Pistachios Speaking of pistachios, they are another celebrated gift found in the common ever-sought mixed nut blends. Originating in the Middle East and Central Asia, they grow from an extremely resilient tree capable of surviving in temperatures from 14 degrees to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. The latter is particularly helpful for their prevalence in desert climates – they require an abundance of sun and struggle in humid environments. Iran is the world’s largest producer of pistachios, and they are popular in various frozen treats around the world, such as spumoni (Italy) and kulfi (India). |
| 3 - Brazil nuts Native to the Amazonian rainforests, Brazil nuts grow on giant trees in pods resembling coconuts. True to their origin, the Brazil nut tree can tower as high as 200 feet with a leaf-span of over 100 feet in diameter. Unique in that the trees can only bear fruit in natural, undisturbed habitats, Brazil nuts are extremely sensitive to deforestation. This is because of their heavy reliance on large native orchid bees for pollination and agoutis (native rodents) to disperse their seeds. Due to their commercial appeal and the inability to cultivate them, the Brazil nut tree has in itself become a weapon against deforestation. |
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| | | COMMUNITY CORNER What is your favorite nut-based dish and where is it from? Share your thoughts at ozycommunity@ozy.com. |
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