Introduction
The almond (Prunus dulcis) is a species of a tree native to the Middle East. It is also the name of the edible
and widely cultivated nut of this tree. It is classified with peach in the subgenus Amygdalus distinguished
from the other subgenera by the corrugated shell (endocarp) surrounding the seed. The edible part
of the nut consists of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed inside. Almonds are commonly sold shelled, i.e. after the shells are removed. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seed coat which is then removed to reveal the white embryo