Almond

Almonds are low in saturated fat, high in protein and contain calcium, magnesium and vitamins E and B's, as well as other nutrients. Because of this, they are said to be good for the prevention of cancer and heart disease. Unlike some nuts, they are also easily digestible.

There are bitter and sweet almonds. Bitter almonds cannot be eaten but are used to make almond oil, with uses as skin and hair tonic and the carrier of choice for other oils used in aromatherapy.

It took us a couple of years after we moved here to discover that this was an almond tree, and since then it has produced its wonderful delicate blossoms followed by a bumper crop for a smallish tree. Our almond is the sweet kind and can be eaten as they come. Getting them out of their incredibly hard outer husk is a challenge met with a hammer and definitely outdoors. The taste of almonds fresh from the tree is scrumptious and very different from shop bought nuts.