Posted on : January 18th, 2017
Almonds are small nuts that pack a big crunch full of health benefits. Learn the ABCs about California almonds and why they’re one of the state’s best crops.
Almond Butter – Smooth and creamy (and comes in crunchy varieties too!) almond butter is a healthier alternative to peanut butter, especially if you have peanut allergies.
Bees – Honey bees are essential for a successful almond crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period, and honey bees are the most successful pollinators of almonds blossoms. Colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to ensure pollination (Almonds.com).
Curb Cravings – Almonds can stave off hunger and satisfy cravings because they provide 4 grams of filling fiber, “good” monounsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
Diabetes – Almonds can help control type 2 diabetes because they are low on the glycemic index, provide essential vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium) and are a good source of filling dietary fiber.
Energy – California almonds can help you power through the day and keep you feeling full because they are packed full of protein, approximately 6 grams of protein in every handful.
Fruit – Did you know that almonds are considered a fruit because the almond is the seed of the fruit of the tree? Sound confusing? Think of a peach pit – it’s kind of like that.
Gluten Free – Gluten is a duo of proteins found in products containing wheat, barley, rye, and a few other grains. If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, then almonds are an excellent choice for you because they are naturally 100% gluten free.
Heart Health – Almonds contain key nutrients that help support a healthy heart. They are cholesterol free, contain only 1 gram of saturated fat, and have 13 grams of unsaturated fat per ounce.
International – While the United States is the largest market for almonds with about 30 to 40% of the crop sold domestically, the rest of the California almonds are shipped internationally to places like Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy, Middle East, China and more!
Joysicles – This recipe is an example of just how easy it is to include almonds as a part of a sweet treat, giving this frozen candy bar extra flavor and crunch.
Kernel – Each almond tree fruit has three parts – the shell, hull, and kernel. The kernels are the nutrient-rich part of the almond we eat.
Long Lasting – When stored properly in cool, dry conditions, whole natural almonds can be stored for about 2 years with no major loss in quality, however, there are other shelf life factors to consider.
Milk – Almond milk is made by pulverizing almonds in a blender with water, then straining. It’s a great alternative for people with lactose allergies, special diets, or who just want a healthier option. It’s 50% lower in calories than cow’s milk, and because it’s not an animal product, it has no cholesterol.
Nutrition – When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in six essential nutrients: protein (6g), fiber (4g), calcium (75mg), vitamin E (7.4mg), riboflavin (0.3mg), and niacin (1mg). They are simple to work into your diet and perfect to include in just about any eating plan. They have numerous health benefits that will support your health goals.
Orchards – Over 90% of California almond orchards are family farms, owned in large part by third and fourth generation family farmers. California is the ideal spot for almond orchards because of its Mediterranean-like climate, rich soils, and water availability.
Portions – Almonds are a convenient, filling way to get the fuel your body needs while you’re on the go. You can measure out the perfect portion by remembering the 1-2-3 rule: 1 ounce of almonds is about 23 nuts – the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines of Americans. In other words, the size of a shot glass, ice cream scoop, or 3” x 3” sticky note.
Quality Control – The United States Department of Agriculture has strict guidelines in place specifically for California Almonds to ensure they reach or exceed a certain level of quality.
Recipes – There are so many delicious, easy, and healthy recipes for every meal of the day, snacks in-between, and dessert. Get 6 of our favorite in the free download below.
Sustainability – Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors, and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.
Tree Nut – Technically, California almonds are in the tree-nut family because they meet the definition of a nut – a hard-shelled pod that contains both the fruit and seed of the plant. But almonds are also a fruit because they are considered a drupe – a type of fruit with an outer fleshy part that surrounds a shell (sometimes called a pit) with a seed inside, which is the part of the almond we’re used to eating (Serious Eats).
Unsaturated Fats – A one-ounce serving of almonds has 13 grams of unsaturated fats, the “good” and “healthier” kind of fats to include in your diet.
Vegan – Vegan is a type of lifestyle, and a type of diet, for people who aren’t interested in consuming animal products or animal by-products. Since almonds come from trees, they are very vegan-friendly!
Water – Almonds occupy 13% of California’s irrigated farmland but use only 9% of California’s agricultural (not total) water – less than their proportionate share. California almonds are not an especially “thirsty” crop. Almond trees use roughly the same amount of water as all other California fruit and nut trees.
eXcellent source – Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, phosphorous, and riboflavin. When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the nut highest in calcium, boasting 75mg per ounce.
Your go-to-snack – Almonds are a great snack because they fit into any lifestyle, anytime, anywhere. Whether you need a quick workout recovery, topping for your oatmeal, snack for the kids before soccer practice, or to satisfy the afternoon slump.
Zero Waste – California almond farmers don’t let anything go to waste. The shells are used as livestock bedding, the hulls are sold as livestock feed, and the kernel is the nutrient-rich part of the almond we eat.
Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Inc. was founded on strong beliefs and passion for offering unique, flavorful, top-quality, almond products. We strongly believe in earth-friendly practices that start on our family owned and operated orchards. We use Organic farming practices and continue in the process by using all natural ingredients with no preservatives or GMOs. We believe in honest, friendly, and helpful customer relations at all levels. We take pride in every task, every day, with every person.
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