/ 250 g blanched and finely ground almonds
Rich in monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E; also provide dietary fiber, magnesium, and polyphenol antioxidants. 250 g of blanched ground almonds provides approximately 1,400 calories, 50 g protein, and significant quantities of minerals and heart-healthy lipids.
About
Almonds are the edible seeds of Prunus dulcis, a deciduous tree native to South Asia and the Middle East, now cultivated extensively in Mediterranean regions and California. The almond fruit is a drupe consisting of a hard shell encasing a pale, oval kernel with a characteristic mild, slightly sweet flavor and dense, oily composition. Blanching removes the thin brown skin covering the kernel, yielding a lighter appearance and slightly refined flavor. When finely ground, blanched almonds become almond flour or almond meal—a fine, dry powder that retains the nutritional profile and subtle sweetness of the whole nut while providing a distinctly different texture and binding capacity than whole or chopped almonds.
Culinary Uses
Blanched, finely ground almonds are essential in pastry and baking, particularly in European and Middle Eastern cuisines. They form the base of marzipan, frangipane (almond pastry cream), and numerous confections. In baking, ground almonds contribute moisture, richness, and a tender crumb to cakes, cookies, and tarts while serving as a partial or full gluten-free flour substitute. The ingredient is also used in savory applications, including traditional sauces, ground meat preparations, and coating for fried items. Their fine texture and neutral-sweet profile make them ideal for creating smooth pastes, improving emulsification in creams, and providing subtle almond flavor in delicate desserts without the grittiness of coarser preparations.