almond

Almond trees in bloom in France. Almonds were first grown in southwest Asia, and brought to Europe by traders.

Tree related to the peach and apricot. Dessert almonds, which can be eaten whole, are the kernels of the fruit of the sweet variety Prunus amygdalus dulcis, which is also used to produce a low-cholesterol cooking oil. Oil of bitter almonds, from the variety P. amygdalus amara, is used in flavouring. Bitter almonds contain hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous and must be extracted before the oil can be processed. Almond oil is also used for cosmetics, perfumes, and fine lubricants. (Prunus amygdalus, family Rosaceae.)