
California has often been called the breadbasket of the world. In fact, the California Department of Food and Agriculture notes that California is the world’s fifth largest supplier of food and agriculture commodities. Living in central California I can attest to driving miles and miles and the only view was food being grown as far as the eye can see. It is really quite amazing!
But the almond tree caught me by surprise. First, the locals say “a-mond” as if the “l” is silent. In the Midwest we are a little nutty and say “all-mond”. My speech always gave away I wasn’t a local! Add in my husband’s slightly southern twang … and you get “aaaa-mond”!

“I said to the almond tree,
‘Sister, speak to me about God,’
and the almond tree blossomed.”
Greco, famed Greek-born Spanish painter
The almond tree has lovely blossoms and were a sign to me that spring had sprung. However, I must say my biggest surprise came in the fall when the trees are harvested. Let me put it this way – there is a lot of shakin’ going on!
But oh the end product … so tasty, healthy, and wonderful to use in baking. Did you know Almonds are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums and peaches?
I like almonds for the simple fact they are very good for me. I’ve inherited high cholesterol and almonds are believed to help lower cholesterol, help reduce heart attack risk, help build strong healthy bones and teeth and a whole lot more!
Nuts can be pretty expensive depending where you buy them. I always buy in bulk and have found nuts.com to have an excellent selection for good value. Click HERE to check them out!
The Bible has a lot to say about almonds. You can find many scripture references to the blossoms and the nuts, including this one.
They are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—Ecclesiastes 12:5
Sometimes I feel like a nut … and I always keep almonds, pecans, and walnuts handy for the moment!
Happy Baking!
~Catherine
A few fun facts and health benefits of almonds can be found here:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-almonds-king-of-nuts.html
Your so welcome! Your posts are always so uplifting and you have wonderful recipes.
Love those nuts 🙂 I even use the oil for taking eye makeup off. And on my cuticles.
Oh! What a good idea. Thanks for being such a faithful reader …