The History of the Almond Tree

The Almond Tree, believe it or not, is a member of the rose family, Chris Barber! It is however closely related to the Peach, Cherry and Plum and is botanically a stoned fruit or DRUPE not a nut! Although we all call it a nut and I shall continue to call it so.

Actually Almonds are mentioned as far back as 3000bc and possibly even earlier especially in the Bible. The exact ancestry is unknown, but Almonds are thought to have originated from China and Central Asia along the silk road.

Almond trees grow really well around the Mediterranean shores as they require mild winters and long dry hot summers. They were spread along these shores by trading travellers using the ancient Silk Road from China and Central Asia and eventually reaching Italy and Spain.

Nearly every ancient civilization mentions Almond trees and Almonds in their culture, and throughout history. The Almond has played a great part especially in religion and social ceremonies and are mentioned many times in the Bible. In the Bible it states that Jacob told his sons to carry Almonds and fruit of the land to give as gifts and to trade with other travellers.

King Tut had Almonds buried with him in his tomb to nourish him on his journey to the after life. They were also found in excavations of archaeological sites in Greece dated as far back as 8000bc. It is also stated in the Bible that Aaron’s rod blossomed and produced Almonds overnight giving the Almond the symbolism of divine approval.

Throughout History the Almond shape has been used in pottery and decoration and architecture. Here are some examples. Here we have a sample of a Greek Panathenic Amphora or jug for keeping oil, wine or even Almond milk in.

This is a Jericho oil lamp which you will notice is again in the shape of an Almond

And here you will see the design on the plate has used the basic Almond shape for the whole tree with Almonds painted on it.

Last but not least my very favourite, a vintage designed brooch using pearls in the shape of Almonds. So you can see the Almond shape has been used in designs all down the ages

In Roman times newlyweds were showered with Almonds as a fertility charm. Different coloured sugared Almonds are used now a days for different occasions. White for weddings Blue or pink for births Green for engagements Red for graduations Assorted colours for other occasions.

The Sugared Almond poem Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat To remind us that life can be both bitter and sweet Five wishes for the new husband and wife Health, wealth, happiness, children and long life

Wild Almonds can be very bitter tasting and actually contain cyanide as I mentioned previously. The dark pink blossom usually produces the bitter tasting ones and the pale pink or white blossom produces the ones we can eat raw.

The word ALMOND is derived from an old Latin word “AMYGDALAS” which means Tonsil Plum. The wild Almond has been domesticated over the years to produce the sweeter Almond and to remove the cyanide.

Research shows that in the 1840’s Spanish Franciscan Monks took Almonds to America but failed in growing them successfully. Growing Almonds near Los Angeles showed more promise. California is now the biggest producer of Almonds...with Spain a close second!

In Spring the hillsides in Spain are covered with fluffy looking balls of white and pale pink blossom covering the bare branches of the Almond trees.

Some Health Benefits of Almonds 1) Risk of heart attacks is reduced 2) Helps to lower the “bad” cholesterol 3) Helps to protect artery walls 4) Promotes strong bones and teeth 5) Contains healthy fats and minerals 6) Helps with brain function reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and nourishes the nervous system 7) Helps with a poor immune system 8) And many more benefits