Almonds are considered one of the earliest cultivated foods, and traders took almonds from China and central Asia to the rest of the world via the Silk Road. Not surprisingly, almond trees eventually sprouted along the trail.

Today, 70-85% of all almonds are grown in California where trees bloom in February and are ready to be harvested in Mid-August. Where do they end up?

• Candy manufacturers use about 40% of all almonds
  
  
• Germany consumes 25% of the export crop
  
  
• The Japanese gobble up 12% of all grown almonds, and, believe it or not, Japanese teens enjoy a snack consisting of almonds and dried sardines.

Forget Apples! Grab A Handful Almonds a Day!

Almonds are also an extremely healthy food. They are cholesterol free, and have been shown in studies to lower bad cholesterol and maintain good cholesterol. They are also an excellent source of fiber, protein and calcium.

A Few Nutty Facts...

• Romans gave newlyweds almonds as a fertility charm.
  
  
• Greeks gave gifts of almonds in odd numbers to ensure good luck.
  
  
• In Jewish lore a combination of almonds and raisins brought happiness.
  
  
• Good luck follows the person who finds an almond in the cinnamon rice pudding at Christmas in Sweden.
  
  
• Sugar almonds at weddings signify romance, happiness and children.

 

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