Sweet almond oil is primarily derived from the white-flowered, sweet almond tree (Prunus amygdalus). The dried seeds of the sweet almond tree are pressed to produce the essential oils of the sweet almond plant without using heat processes. There are two types of almond trees: sweet almond and bitter almond. Some sweet almond oils are made from a combination of both sweet and bitter almond oil.
History
Almonds and almond oil date back to pre-Biblical times and were mentioned 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.
Geography
The sweet almond tree is native to the Middle East. Today it is found primarily in India, Turkey, Israel, Syria and parts of the eastern Mediterranean, northern Africa and southern Europe. In modern times, it has been transported to California.
The United States, Spain and Syria lead in almond and almond oil production today. The almond tree is the state tree of Kashmir.
Physical Description and Processing
Sweet almond oil is clear and pale yellow in color. It is processed by extraction from the reddish-brown powder that is produced from sweet and bitter almond seeds, which are ground in a mill and subjected to water pressure, filtering, bleaching, and exposure to light. Sweet almond oil is odorless and has a dull, nutty taste.
Uses
Sweet almond oil has a variety of uses in cosmetics and as a base oil for soaps and massage therapies. It is also used for medicinal purposes, such as removing excessive earwax, skin smoothing and softening and as a laxative. Manicurists, pedicurists, massage therapists and cosmetologists have all been known to use sweet almond oil in their work.
It has also been used in cooking for stir frying and sautéing and as a salad oil. Sweet almond oil is rich in proteins and vitamins D and E. Sweet almond oil is also considered an aphrodisiac.
Benefits
Sweet almond oil has been known to provide many benefits, including that of improved complexion and suppleness of skin. Almond oil helps the digestive processes in the body and also with cancer prevention. Almonds can also help to lower cholesterol.
Sweet almond oil is a natural, all-around beneficial product with a variety of nutritional, culinary, medicinal and cosmetic benefits.
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