Almonds are the nut with the greatest gastronomic impact in many parts of the world, considered a touch of subtlety and elegance in both sweet and savory recipes. Besides being a nutritious nut rich in healthy fats, characteristics that make it an ideal afternoon snack, its nutritional properties place it among nuts with the highest protein and fiber content. According to data from the Complutense University of Madrid, almonds are the third most consumed nut in Spain, representing a consumption of 0.25 kg per person per year, a figure that has been increasing considerably in at least the last two years. There are several types of almonds ideal for eating raw, fried, or roasted, and they are also a decorative nut used primarily in baking. In Spain, the most common types of almonds are the following:
Marcona
The Marcona almond is the classic round almond with a hard, non-porous shell, a sweet flavor, and a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is the most well-known and popular variety in the world and is the main ingredient for nougat and all kinds of Christmas sweets. Its key advantage is its low oil content, making it ideal for producing fried almonds, perfect for a savory snack.
Length
The Largueta almond maintains the same properties as the previous variety, except for its elongated shape, a characteristic from which it derives its name. This type of almond is used in the snack and processed food industry. It performs best when baked, and is also ideal for making pralines, chocolates, sugared almonds, and other treats. The main benefit of the Largueta almond is that when roasted, it facilitates the storage of insulin in our bodies, which is necessary for proper wound healing. Furthermore, it aids the digestive system by metabolizing proteins.
Repelada Commune
The Comuna Repelada almond is the result of combining well-known almond varieties such as Marcona, Cristomorto, and Ferragnes, among others. The result is an almond native to the Spanish region with identical properties to the aforementioned varieties, but with greater resistance to climate and pests. Its main benefits lie in its generous vitamin E content, which slows down the cellular aging process. It promotes hair growth and may help prevent degenerative diseases.
Nonpareil
The Nonpareil almond is the quintessential almond that captures attention in magazine photos thanks to its striking, elongated shape and exquisite appearance. It's a perfectly crafted almond for decoration. Visually, they appear to be hand-picked in shape and size, but that's not the case. They are actually surprisingly perfect, with a uniform consistency and a light, thin skin. Their main benefit is their antioxidant power; just 50 grams a day of this variety can cover the body's basic daily needs. In general, almonds are nuts rich in healthy fats and are considered a source of plant-based protein similar to meat. They are low in calories and ideal for weight loss and controlling cravings. So be sure to consume them appropriately to maintain the vitality your body needs.