Quick facts about Almonds

• The almond, is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. Almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree.
• Historians largely agree that almonds and dates, both mentioned in the Old Testament, were among the earliest cultivated foods.
• Chocolate manufacturers use 40% of the worlds almonds.
• The fruit of the almond is not a true nut, but a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed ("nut") inside.
• In the mid-1700s, the Franciscan Friars planted almond trees to grace their missions along El Camino Real (The Royal Road) that stretches along the California coast from San Diego to Sonoma.
• It takes 1000 pounds of almonds to make 1 pint of almond oil.
• According to superstition: If you eat almonds before taking a drink, you will reduce your chances of getting drunk and avoid having a hangover.
• The protein in almonds is more like the proteins in human breast milk of all the seeds and nuts.
• A source of protein and calcium, it is common among Japanese teenagers to enjoy snacking on a mixture of dried sardines and slivered almonds.
• Almond trees become productive and begin bearing fruit after five years. The fruit is mature in the autumn, 7–8 months after flowering.
• Almonds were introduced to California in the mid 1700s. The state's 6,000 almond growers produce 100 percent of the commercial domestic supply and 80 percent of the world's supply.
• The almond tree is highly revered in some cultures. In northern Indian state, Jammu and Kashmir, it is designated as the state tree of Kashmir.
• The almond tree grows in Lebanon, Syria and Israel, and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible.
• In India, consumption of almonds is believed to be good for the brain, while the Chinese consider it a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty.
• In the Old Testament, the almond was a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering.