Any visit from anyone from the Middle east relatives is not complete if they do not give you some dry fruits! Dates are a given and specialty of middle east, specially the amazing Kuwait dates, but almonds are generally the norm!
Surprisingly they may not even be from the Middle east and may actually be the Californian almonds!
But (he he!) did you know that a handful of bitter almonds can actually kill you!
Now now! Do not throw those costly almonds yet! Or if you are that group which soaks and eats them, well then hold on!
So let us start with the bitter news first!
The bitterness and toxicity of wild almonds come from a compound called amygdalin. When ingested, this compound breaks down into several chemicals, including benzaldehyde, which tastes bitter, and cyanide! So much so that a handful of bitter almonds can kill a person!
Then again that is only if the almonds are bitter (which is rare and all of them have to be bitter!)
It is rare nowadays to get bitter almonds though some may crop up accidently since it has taken years of evolution like the poisonous mushrooms or the wild dogs to get domesticated!
But more than 12 thousand years ago just like how we domesticate animals, almonds were also domesticated into the sweet and healthy ones we relish today!
Even now you do have bitter poisonous almonds in the wild which are harmful to you! So just like bitter words and people; the best thing to do when you encounter bitter almonds, simply avoid only those almonds!
Then you would think the bitterness may go if you soak them, but that is not true!
Soaking almonds is not strictly necessary, but it can offer some potential benefits and is a matter of personal preference. Soaking can improve digestibility and potentially increase the absorption of certain nutrients. It can also soften the texture and enhance the flavor of the almonds.
Soaking can help break down phytic acid, an anti-nutrient found in the almond skin, which can hinder the absorption of certain minerals like zinc, calcium, and iron.
So by reducing phytic acid, soaking may make it easier for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals from the almonds. The process of soaking can soften the almonds, making them easier to chew and potentially reducing digestive discomfort for some individuals. Soaked almonds tend to have a softer texture, which some people find more appealing. Soaking can also enhance their natural sweetness.
If you have a sensitive stomach or experience digestive issues, soaking may be a good idea. If you prefer the convenience of raw almonds or enjoy their texture, there’s no need to soak them, according to a dietitian. Both soaked and raw almonds offer valuable nutrients.
Soaking in fact may remove bitterness but that is by reducing Tannins and not amygdalin! So if the almonds are bitter to begin with, soaking is not the way to go! Just throw the bitter almonds and have the sweet ones instead! Believe me there are many sweet ones out there! Both almonds and people!
One of the sweetest of them is Bhagwan Shri Krishna! Just the mere mention of his name makes you feel blessed! He is the epitome of love and devotion!
A sketch inspired by my imagination!
Wishing all a very happy Shri Krishna Janmashtami!
Jai Shri Krishna!
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