February 16th - Almond Day!

Almonds…’nough said.

Almonds are the peanuts of the 21st century and as you try to work out the kinks of your grocery cart wheels you may be amazed at how many of the products you pass down the grocery aisle are made with this fragrantly delicious nut. Just think about this for a moment; Almond milk, flour, pasta, butter, oil and meal (flour ground with the almond skins). So, what’s behind the fascination with almonds aside from their deliciousness?

Well, it’s also about the health. Nutrition experts love the heart health of this nut which contains calcium, vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium and fiber—five vitamins and minerals that will keep you young and full of energy.
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So, with all the hoopla about almonds, you better believe that this little jewel of flavor has a few interesting facts bouncing around the web for us to relay to you. Here are eight of our favorites.

• You would think that as globally-loved as almonds are their orchards would be spread throughout the world. But, while they can be located in countries such as Spain and Australia, around 80% of the world’s almonds are actually grown in California (Yay! Go Cali!)

• No bees, no honey almonds. Almonds are 100% reliant on honey bee pollination. Because of this, almond farmers will either contract with beekeepers to bring hives to the orchard, or they will bring in their own hives resulting in one of the largest costs incurred for almond farmers. So, the next time you try to stomp on a bee just remember you are costing the world both honey and almonds. 

• In the store, almonds appear to be nature’s perfectly shaped food. Yet, off a tree are individually unique and fuzzy like a peach.

More fun facts about almonds...

• Almonds are not nuts. They are a seed in the rose family which happen to be on a tree called an almond tree. Wait, not a nut—wha? 

• Almonds can regulate your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure which is why they are considered one of the best foods to eat for heart health.

• 90% of fat in almonds is unsaturated which means you can eat them, without worrying about fat. (Woohoo!)

• Almond flour is gluten free.

• For those who love chocolate, 40% of the world’s almonds are used by chocolate manufacturers. Surprised? How about Almond Joy, Hershey’s Bar with Almonds, Snickers Bar with Almond and the beloved Toblerone. 

​Figgy Almonds Recipe

​Now this recipe is inspired by an Italian friend whose grandmother would make halved figs topped with goat cheese, an almond and then drizzled with honey. Sounds delish! But, we here at Toastilla, couldn’t help by try to put our own touch on this seemingly “old country” recipe. We exchanged the goat cheese with cream cheese for personal preference and since figs are usually a seasonal fruit—June to October—there are a couple fruity alternatives. 

Click on image to watch us make the Figgy Almonds recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Tortilla
• ¼ cup Cream cheese
• ¼ cup Almonds
• Fill to your liking—Figs, or another dried fruit such as prunes or apricots
• Honey

​Directions:

1. Mix cream cheese, almonds and fruit in a small bowl.
2. Add to the tortilla, fold and toast.
3. When toasting is complete drizzle with honey 

​This is a great recipe if you are looking for a quick appetizer, or a little energy boost in the middle of the day. But, of course, it can be eaten anytime you want, you know…because it’s a Toastilla family recipe!