Almonds, Sweet′

Syn. Almonds ; Amyg′dalæ , L.; A. dulces , Ph. D.; Amygdala , A. Jordan′ica , Ph. L.; A. Dulcis , Ph. E., & Ph. L. 1836; Amandes , Amandes douces , Fr.; Sü e mandeln , Ger. These are the well-known de ert or table fruit of the name, and are the kind always referred to when ‘almonds’ (simply) are spoken of or ordered. Comm. var. —1. Jor′dan Almonds , which are the finest, and are imported from Malaga. Of these there are two kinds; the one, above an inch in length, flat, and with a clear brown cuticle, sweet, mucilaginous, and rather tough; the other, more plump, and pointed at one end, brittle, but equally sweet with the former.—2. Valen′tia a. (which come next in quality) are about 3 ⁄ 8 ths of an inch broad, not quite an inch long, round at one end, and obtusely pointed at the other, flat, of a dingy brown colour, with a dusty cuticle.—3. Bar′bary and Ital′ian a. , which resemble the latter, but are generally smaller and le flattened.—4. A variety, of medium quality, imported in baskets from Spain. Uses, . Sweet almonds are nutritive, emollient, and demulcent; but frequently disagree with weak stomachs. The husk is apt to occasion indigestion and nausea. Owing to a peculiar idiosyncrasy of some habits, dyspepsia, diarrhœa, œdem a to us swelling of the face, and urticaria ( nettle-rash ), sometimes, though seldom, follow the use of unblanched almonds. Blanched almonds do not produce these inconveniences, and, therefore, should be preferred for the table. In medicine , almonds are employed chiefly under the form of emulsion, confection, ., and to suspend oily substances in water. Their uses for dietetical purposes are well known. Preparations of them are also employed as cosmetics. The cake left after expre ing the oil ( ALMOND-CAKE ) is used for washing the skin, which it is said to render beautifully soft and clear. See Almond Paste , .