The almond is believed to be a native of the Middle East. Although the term almond originally refers to the tree (Prunus dulcis), it is also the name of the widely popular and cultivated seed, or the nut, of the tree. The word ‘almond’ comes from Old French ‘almande’ or ‘alemande’. The plant, and its seed, which is the ‘nut’, is named ‘badaam’ in a host of languages, including Persian, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Turkish, Uzbek, Urdu and Kashmiri. In German almond is called ‘mandel’; in Hebrew, ‘shaqed’.

The almond is not your typical nut. It is, in fact, a ‘drupe’, consisting of a fruit, encasing a shelled seed, which is the edible part of the fruit. Almonds are sold in markets either encased in their shells, or after shelling, with the brown seed coat still intact. 

Historically, almonds have quite a name, having Biblical references and many other historical texts. Although it has roots in the Mediterranean Middle East, almonds are now grown in countries like Spain, Italy, Morocco and Portugal. One of the major producers of almonds, also, happens to be California, USA. Incidentally, California is the only state in the US to produce almonds. Originally brought to the state hundreds of years ago, when missions were created by the Spanish, cultivation of the trees was abandoned when the missions were closed. In 1840, almond trees were brought over from Europe and were first planted in New England. However, the climate there did not suit the plantations, because of which they were brought back to California where they thrived and continue to do so.

• Even now, culturally, almonds have quite a name. Having numerous Biblical references, especially in the Old Testament, the almond was a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering, symbolizing God's sudden and rapid punishment of His people. Christian symbolism often uses almond branches as a symbol of the Virgin Birth of Jesus.

• In northern India, the state of Kashmir has named the almond tree as the official ‘State tree of Kashmir’. Throughout Indian culture, eating almonds is said to be good for the brain. In Ayurveda, the almond is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.

• In China, the almond is said to be the symbol of female beauty and enduring sadness.

Now, the global annual almond production averages about 1.7 million tons. Almonds are an integral part of almost all cuisines of the world, and although can be eaten raw or toasted, can be found in various forms in different cuisines of the world.

• The Chinese mix almonds in hot milk, for a popular dessert.

• In Italy, sweet almonds are used in ‘amaretti’, or almond macaroons.

• In Morocco, almond paste is an important part in most desserts, and a sweetened blend of milk and almond paste is traditionally served at weddings.

• In Western cuisine, almonds are used as dessert toppings, particularly in nougat and marzipan. Toasted almonds are sprinkled over ice cream, and almonds are a key ingredient in many cookies and pastries.

• Bitter almonds are used to make almond oil that is used as a flavoring agent for foods and liqueurs such as Amaretto.