The bitter almond tree (Prunus dulcis, var. amara) also produces an almond, but broader and shorter in shape. From these is produced a lesser quality of the fixed oil along with an emulsion which yields glucose, cyanide, and the essential oil of bitter almonds, which is nearly pure benzaldehyde.

The health benefits of bitter almond essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a vermifuge, febrifuge, bactericidal, germicidal, fungicidal, sedative, anesthetic, aperient, diuretic, anti-intoxicating, anti-carcinogenic, and antispasmodic substance.

Almonds and almond oil date back to pre-biblical times and were mentions in the bible as well. The benefits of almond oil were well known in Greece and Italy prior to the Christian era. Almonds were mentioned in old Greek mythology, as well as in classical Shakespearean writings. Domestic almonds are said to have first appeared during the bronze age, between 3000 and 2000 B.C. and were one of the earliest domestic trees used for their seeds and oil.

Tree produce large, smooth almonds and offers 60-65% edible kernel per nut. The ‘tuono’ has thicker, hairier shells and offers only 32% of edible kernel per nut, but having a thick shell has advantages. The ‘Tuono’s shell protects the nut from threatening pests such as the naval orange worm. ARS researchers have managed to crossbreed the pest-resistant ‘Tuono’ tree with ‘Nonpareil’, resulting in hybridized cultivars of almond trees that are self-pollinated and maintain a high nut quality. the new, self-pollinating hybrids possess quality skin color, flavor, and oil content, and reduce almond growers’ dependency on insect pollination.

The bitter almond tree (Prunus dulcis, var. amara) also produces an almond, but broader and shorter in shape. From these is produced a lesser quality of the fixed oil along with an emulsion which yields glucose, cyanide, and the essential oil of bitter almonds, which is nearly pure benzaldehyde.

The health benefits of bitter almond essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a vermifuge, febrifuge, bactericidal, germicidal, fungicidal, sedative, anesthetic, aperient, diuretic, anti-intoxicating, anti-carcinogenic, and antispasmodic substance.

Almonds and almond oil date back to pre-biblical times and were mentions in the bible as well. The benefits of almond oil were well known in Greece and Italy prior to the Christian era. Almonds were mentioned in old Greek mythology, as well as in classical Shakespearean writings. Domestic almonds are said to have first appeared during the bronze age, between 3000 and 2000 B.C. and were one of the earliest domestic trees used for their seeds and oil.

Tree produce large, smooth almonds and offers 60-65% edible kernel per nut. The ‘tuono’ has thicker, hairier shells and offers only 32% of edible kernel per nut, but having a thick shell has advantages. The ‘Tuono’s shell protects the nut from threatening pests such as the naval orange worm. ARS researchers have managed to crossbreed the pest-resistant ‘Tuono’ tree with ‘Nonpareil’, resulting in hybridized cultivars of almond trees that are self-pollinated and maintain a high nut quality. the new, self-pollinating hybrids possess quality skin color, flavor, and oil content, and reduce almond growers’ dependency on insect pollination.