Chowrangi

The almond is most often eaten raw, it is also used in some dishes. This is used for garnishing many dishes and is sprinkled with other nuts on the desserts. Like the peanut butter, there is also the almond butter which is popular with peanut allergy sufferers and for its less salty taste. It has no starch and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and biscuits for patients suffering from diabetes. Its extract is also a popular substitute for vanilla extract.

Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E. They are also rich in mono unsaturated fat that is responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol. In China, almonds are used in a popular dessert when it is mixed with milk and then served hot.

The almond is highly revered in some cultures:

Hebrews: Due to its early flowering, it is considered a symbol of watchfulness and promise.

Chinese: They take it as a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty.

Indians and Pakistanis: The use of almonds here is considered to be good for the brain. These are eaten to enhance and strengthen the eye sight.

Christians: They consider almond branches as a symbol of the Virgin Birth of Jesus. Their paintings often include almonds encircling the baby Jesus and as a symbol of Mary.

In the Bible Aaron is chosen among the other tribes of Israel by a rod that brought forth almond flowers. Today, Jews still carry rods of almond blossom to the synagogues on great festival days. The fruit of the almond supplied a model for certain kinds of ornamental carved work. The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for alcohol intoxication.

Folklore claims that almonds are poisonous for foxes.

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