Sweet Almond Blossom

The almond tree grows to 23 feet and blooms with hundreds of white flowers in early spring. The leathery skinned inedible fruit contains the almond seed (nut) at its center. The tree is native to Morocco, North Africa.  Sweet almonds should not be confused with bitter almonds which have a toxic component and are inedible.

Ancient Ritual

The oldest written account of almond cultivation is in the the Bible.  Aaron's rod was made of almond wood that surprisingly bore white flowers and fruit.  In Greece, guests are given uneven numbers of almonds at christenings, weddings, and the ordinations of priests for good fortune and happiness. 

Historically, the whole almond nut was used as a folk remedy to relieve heartburn. 

Modern Wellness

More recently, almond oil has been used externally for its cleansing and protective properties for the skin.

• Vitamin A: Stimulates the production of new skin cells and smooth fine lines.

• Vitamin E:This nutrient has antioxidant properties that may help prevent cell damage and help reduce UV damage to skin caused by the sun.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These nutrients may help prevent premature aging and safeguard against sun damage.

• Zinc: This is an essential nutrient for healing acne or other facial scars. However, it’s worth noting that zinc is more effective for this purpose when taken orally.

Ouled Othmane, Morocco  Almond Oasis

Sweet Almond Blossom