Almonds are the seed of the almond tree, which is very closely related to peach and apricot trees. Although almonds are considered to be a high fat food, eating them also provides a number of health benefits. According to WHFoods.com, almonds are known to lower bad cholesterol levels as well as provide protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Once almonds are removed from their shell, they are covered in a brown, paper-like covering that some people prefer to remove before eating.
Instructions
1. Fill a cooking pot 3/4 full of water and place it on top of a stove burner. Turn the stove burner to high and wait for the water to boil.
2. Place the almonds into the boiling water and allow them to cook for three minutes. Remove the pot from the burner; turn the burner off. This process blanches the almonds, making the skin easier to remove.
3. Place a colander in the sink. Drain the water and almonds into it.
4. Fill a bowl 1/2 to 3/4 full with cold tap water. Place the almonds into the water to stop the cooking process.
5. Allow the almonds to sit for one to two minutes. Pour them into the strainer to drain off the cold water.
6. Pick up a single almond in your hand and rub the brown, paper skin between your fingers and thumb. The skin will come off easily and can be discarded. Repeat the process for the remaining almonds to peel them as well.
7. Place a single almond on a cutting board and hold it upright with one hand. Carefully place the blade of a kitchen knife along the edge of the almond. Remove the first hand and press down with the kitchen blade to split the almond. Repeat the process to split the remaining almonds. You do not have to press down hard with the knife, as the almond halves will separate fairly easily.
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