Almonds are great snacks. We wouldn't have almonds if it weren't for the February pollination by our honeybees. Almonds are native to Persia and are one of the trees and nuts mentioned in the Bible.
"And their father Israel said unto them, 'If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, myrrh, nuts and almonds…" Genesis 43:11
Did you ever notice the speed at which a branch, if broken, will break into premature blooms if placed in a glass of water? Try it!
A 2017 study published in Nutrition Journal found that Americans, especially children, who replaced snack foods with almonds or other tree nuts saw a major increase in consumption of nutrients. In the study of more than 17,000 children and adults, participants swapped all their snacks with almonds. Researchers found that participants consumed fewer empty calories, solid fats, sodium, saturated fats, carbohydrates and added sugars.
And almonds are nutritious! Every one-ounce serving (about 23 almonds) provides 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, plus vitamin E (35 percent DV [daily value]), magnesium (20 percent DV), riboflavin (20 percent DV), calcium (8 percent DV) and potassium (6 percent DV).
Until tomorrow...