Its varieties are classified as either sweet or bitter. Sweet varieties are edible and used in some Chinese stir fried dishes, though not very common. The bitter variety contains traces of toxic acid when raw and cannot be sold in the United States unless processed. Store them unopened in a cool, dry place. Raw unshelled almonds have a shelf life of six to 12 months, and shelled nuts will keep for three months. Once opened, put them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. Recipe : Almond Chicken and Duck with Almonds

Almonds A type of nut sweet and bitter, available blanched, whole, halved, flaked, chopped or ground, used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Seed of the Almond tree. It's special taste can be found in orgeade and liqueurs like the italian Amaretto.

A common thickening (see also blood, bread, eggs and livers).

Slivered, toasted almonds add a nice crunch to breads but often do not have enough taste to add much in the way of flavor. I frequently suggest adding a dash of almond extract if the bread requires a pronounced almond flavor.

very finely ground almonds are a natural exfoliant and very slight bleaching agent; helps to cleanse skin; provides a nutty aroma

Paper-thin almond slices.