Almonds

[Treader]

Hi Shelley.

I've read that you say to remove the skins from almonds before eating. Why is that? The following statement is taken from an article claiming that the skins are very beneficial:

"Highlight:
It has been said that beauty is only skin deep. But for almonds, the skin is as deep as you may need to go to get a real antioxidant punch. In a study, published in this month's Journal of Nutrition, the antioxidants in almond skins and the vitamin E in almonds were shown to work together as an antioxidant team. The study was co-authored by researchers at the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and the Almond Board of California."

http://www.newstarget.com/008571.html

[shelley]

That's very interesting! Ayurvedic books say to take off the skins, but you know, lots of skins are very nutritious so perhaps it's one of those customs that should be updated. I find most nut skins to be too bitter but if you like them, go for it.

[The23rdman]

This IS interesting. I was always told to skin them as the skins contained lots of tannins and other nasties. I know these are neutralised somewhat when they're soaked, so maybe soaking and eating with the skins is the way to go.