Many people believe that the almond is a nut, when in all actuality it is a drupe (which is technically a type of fruit). The almond tree is a deciduous tree, which can grow as high as 10 meters. The leaves of the almond tree are broad and serrated, and the sprouting flowers seen in early spring are either white or pale pink. By the time autumn comes (some 7-8 months after flowering), the almond is mature, ripe, and ready to be harvested.

Click here to see an Almond's Life Cycle Through the Seasons.

The almond is native to regions of Syria, Israel, and Turkey, though it was spread to parts of Europe and even Africa in the past. More recently almond trees have been transported to several other parts of the world (including the state of California). where the almond has become their top agricultural export, and their sixth leading agricultural product; in fact in 2003 alone the state exported over $1 billion in almonds. In Eastern Mediterranean regions the wild form of almond can be found; this however is very deadly, as a form of cyanide can be made from crushing or chewing the seed.

On a global level, the annual production of almonds is around 1.7 million tons. Today, the world's biggest almond producing regions include the United States, Spain, Syria, and Italy; followed by several more smaller countries.

Many times, almonds are toasted before eating; other times they are simply eaten raw. However, there are a wide variety of culinary uses for almonds, as well. It is most commonly sprinkled on ice cream sundaes or other desserts such as marzipan, French macaroons, and even more. Almonds can even be processed into "almond milk", which is ideal for vegans and those that are lactose-intolerant, and the drupe can be used to produce "almond syrup", as well. Additionally, the oil of sweet almonds may even be used as a substitute for olive oil.

To complement its wide variety of uses, the almond also has a great deal of nutritional value, too. A handful of almonds (28 grams/one recommended serving) are enough to provide the human body with high levels of Vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, apart from being a great source of monounsaturated fat, protein, potassium, and even calcium.