Prunus dulcis

Almond, also known as badem, bajam, mandula, mjendula, migdal, sweet almond, is a deciduous tree belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It can reach up to 10 meters in height, has a pyramidal crown, and can live up to 150 years.

The Latin name Prunus comes from the Greek word "proumnon," which means plum tree. The species name "dulcis" means sweet. The word "badem" is a Turkism with roots in Sanskrit - "badama."

It naturally grows in the regions of South Asia and the Middle East, with the largest producers being the United States and Greece.

The fruit of the almond is a grey-green, hairy drupe that is somewhat elongated in appearance. During maturation, it is covered with a thick husk that opens in the fall. The thick husk reveals a smooth and pitted hard shell inside, which contains the naked, flattened brown seed.

The seeds inside the hard, pitted shell are edible and are commonly eaten raw, often as part of various treats. Almonds are known for their nutritional value and are an excellent source of minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc.), vitamin E, fiber, and amino acids.

Almond fruit has a wide range of applications in nutrition. Almond milk can be made from almond seeds by soaking them in water overnight. The next day, the husks are removed from the seeds, and they are blended well with water and sweetened to taste.

In addition to its use in nutrition, almonds are also used for cosmetic purposes. The fats present in almonds allow the extraction of oil, which has beneficial effects on the skin, hair, and face.