Almond Flour

by Lisa Bishop on April 5, 2009

Almond flour is a delicious replacement for major grains, resembling the consistency and texture of cornmeal. It is highly nutritious and can be used to replace most flours for baking, but has to be combined with other flours for making dough-based breads.

Almond flour has been used in recipes for thousands of years. Found in most countries across the globe, it was first used by ancient civilizations for sweet breads and cakes. Modern times have not seen a decline in its popularity. It is used for muffins, pancakes, pastries, confections, pie fillings and pastes.

Shelled, whole almonds are ground to make almond flour. It can easily be prepared in preferred quantities by grinding the nuts in either a food processor, blender or with a pestle and mortar. However, modern gadgets such as bean and nut grinders work equally as well. In fact, it takes very little processing to produce. Alternatively, it can be bought from most major grocery chains, health food and online stores under the name of almond flour or ground almonds.

Because of the denseness of almond flour, the calorie count is high for a single 1 ounce serving. It is a good source for iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. It also contains minimal quantities of protein, making it a part protein that when combined with another part protein, can provide a healthy ingredient for use by grain/gluten allergy and Celiac sufferers.

Some of the best uses for almond flour are as secondary flour in sweet breads and for making almond paste, commonly known as marzipan. Marzipan can be used as a topping for cakes or making marzipan snacks. Alternatively, it can be added in with other gluten free flours and grains to produce hot cereals. In fact, it makes a tasty addition to nut-based stews and soups.

Cakes are one of the most popular ways to use almond flour and Almond Banana Cake is a tasty example.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

JamesD June 11, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Thanks for the useful info. It’s so interesting

derekpm July 13, 2009 at 5:50 am

Rather interesting. Has few times re-read for this purpose to remember. Thanks for interesting article. Waiting for trackback

catgross49 March 19, 2010 at 1:36 am

Does any one have a Tortilla Recipe made with only Almond Flour or perhaps a combination Almond and Garbanzo Bean. I am trying to keep it on the Low Carb/Gluten Free Side.

Thanks

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