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The almond, indulgent and rich in benefits
Today we’re going to talk about a product I cherish, the almond. Because “I love buttering my toast” with organic whole almond butter.
It’s spring, and the almond tree is among the first trees to bloom and herald the rebirth. To start, I’ll quote “Beneficial Foods, 50 Treasures of Nature for Our Health“.
The almond tree is believed to be native to the Near and Middle East. During the Middle Ages, it was forgotten, but it once held an important place in our meals. It was only in the 16th century that France seriously began to cultivate the almond tree, in the south of the country.
Today, California is the world’s largest producer, but organic almonds mostly come from Sicily and Spain.
Like all its nut relatives, it contains many nutrients : unsaturated fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals.
As for me, I put them in cakes and smoothies, on toast, and in yogurts. I slip handfuls into snack mixes, into the kids’ snacks, and on both sweet and savory tarts.
Guest: Patricia Collino
And to explain why eating almonds is an excellent idea, I am delighted to welcome Patricia Collino, Director of R&D and Quality at La Mandorle.
La Mandorle is not only a powerful motif in sacred geometry; it is also a French family business specializing in almond milk, founded in 1989. As for Patricia Collino, she is both a nutritionist and a naturopath.
Questions
- What is your background in a few words? How did you become particularly interested in nutrition?
- Can you describe the many nutritional benefits of the almond?
- Can you also tell us about its origins: where is it produced? Are there French supply chains developing in your area?
- What are the environmental impacts of its cultivation? (I have a poor image of monocultures in California; what about in Europe, in France?)
- Which La Mandorle products do you prefer?
- Which products are more nutritionally interesting?
- In what forms can almonds be consumed and at what times of the day?
- Can you explain how to make almond milk and almond purée yourself?
- What are the properties of almond milk compared to animal milk and other plant-based milks?
- Do you have one or two recipes to share with us?
Resources to learn more
- The La Mandorle website
- Almonds, nuts, seeds & Co., Terre Vivante Editions
- Cléa (from the Cléa Cuisine blog) explains how to make homemade almond milk and almond purée
- Crepe batter recipe
