PRODUCT DESCRIPTION :
The almond tree, Prunus dulcis, is a deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae which is grown for its edible seeds (nuts). The tree has brown or gray bark and either an erect or weeping growth habit depending on the variety. The trunk can reach 30 cm (12 in) in diameter.
 
The almond is the edible kernel of the fruit of the sweet almond tree. It is a bright white fruti and wrapped in a reddish brown cover. It is consumed as dry fruit, fried and/or salted. Some well-known products, such as nougat and marzipan, are made of almonds.
 
The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus Prunus, it is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell (endocarp) surrounding the seed.
 
The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed, which is not a true nut, inside. Shelling almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are sold shelled or unshelled. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seedcoat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo.
 
CULTIVATION IN SPAIN ANDALUSIA :
Cultivated in fertile Andalucian lands, sun-drenched and surrounded by water, there is no better place in Europe to grow almonds and provide all the nutrients and health benefits. Especially keep cool to keep you the best sweet taste in your palate of flavors and mouth.
 
HISTORICAL ORIGIN : 
Their exact ancestry in unknown, but almonds are thought to have originated in China and Central Asia. Explorers ate almonds while traveling the "Silk Road" between Asia and the Mediterranean. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean -- especially in Spain and Italy.
 
The almond is native to regions of Syria, Israel, and Turkey, though it was spread to parts of Europe and even Africa in the past.
 
Historians generally agree that almonds and dates, both mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, were among one of the earliest cultivated foods. And, ancient Romans also referred to almonds as "Greek nuts," since they were first cultivated in Greece.  
 
Some of 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 Franciscan Padres brought the almond tree to California from Spain in the mid-1700. It wasn't until the following century that trees were successfully planted inland. By the 1870's, research and crossbreeding had developed several of today's prominent almond varieties.
 
By the turn of the 20th century, the almond industry was firmly established in the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas of California's great Central Valley.
 
Almonds as Historic Symbols
Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm.
 
Surprisingly, the almond is not a member of the nut family, but rather is actually a family member of stone fruits such as nectarines, peaches, plums and cherries. For this reason, some people refer to an almond as a fruit. 
 
HEALTH BENEFITS : 
Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss.
 
Protect You from Heart Disease
Are almonds good for your heart? You bet! In addition to giving you glowing skin, vitamin E in almonds can help your heart as well.
Promote Healthy Cells
Not only are almonds packed with healthy fats and protein, but they’re also rich in antioxidants. These plant compounds can protect your cells from oxidation and premature aging.
Lower Cholesterol
Almonds are one of the best foods for naturally lowering your cholesterol. Studies show that eating almonds can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels.
Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
This buffering effect from the protein and fats in almonds has been proven to lower your risk for developing high blood sugar and diabetes.
Lower Blood Pressure
Almonds are rich in magnesium which can help lower blood pressure.
Adding magnesium-rich foods like almonds can protect you.
Keep You Full
Almonds are high in plant protein, keeping you full and satisfied all afternoon long. They’re also a healthy source of “calcium, vitamin E, phosphorus, and a wealth of nutrients.”