Almond
Also called sweet almond
Almonds bring a mild nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to dishes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: nutty
Good to know
Origin: Middle East
Forms: whole, sliced, ground, oil, flour
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container.
How to use almond
Protein-Packed Cakes
Use almond flour in cakes. It adds structure with its protein and its oil keeps things moist, resulting in a tender crumb.
Smooth Operator
Grind almonds into a paste. Their proteins help thicken and emulsify, giving a smooth texture to sauces.
What goes with almond
- Honey. Honey's sweetness balances almond's slight bitterness.
- Cocoa. Toasted almond adds crunch and a sweet nuttiness that softens cocoa's bitterness.
- Saffron. Almond's nutty flavor frames saffron's floral profile.
- Oats. Almonds add crunchy texture and nutty flavor to soft, mild oats.
- Vanilla. Vanillin in vanilla and benzaldehyde in almonds create a sweet, nutty aroma.
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon shares a cinnamaldehyde aroma with almonds.
- Butter. Butter's fat smooths almond's texture and deepens its taste.
- Green Bean. Toasted almonds add crunchy contrast to tender green beans.
- Apple. Almond's sweet, marzipan-like notes soften apple's tartness, as in frangipane tarts.
- Cardamom. Cardamom's floral, eucalyptus lift brightens almond's sweet, rounded flavor.
Mistakes to avoid
- Storing almonds warm can lead to the oils going rancid.
- Over-toasting forms acrylamide, making them bitter.
Ideas for tonight
- Top a salad with sliced almonds for crunch.
- Blend ground almonds into a smoothie for added body.
- Roast spiced almonds for a snack.
Almond: questions
What does almond taste like?
Almonds bring a mild nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to dishes., with an aroma that is nutty.
What goes well with almond?
Almond pairs best with honey, cocoa, saffron, oats, vanilla. Honey's sweetness balances almond's slight bitterness.
How do you use almond in cooking?
Protein-Packed Cakes: use almond flour in cakes. It adds structure with its protein and its oil keeps things moist, resulting in a tender crumb.
How should you store almond?
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container.
What is the most common mistake with almond?
Storing almonds warm can lead to the oils going rancid.
