Snackable facts about almonds
They may be the star of your favourite sweet snack, but how much do you actually know about almonds – the nut that isn’t really a nut?
- Although often called a nut, almonds are technically a stone fruit that grows on trees belonging to the rose family.
- They originally came from Southwest Asia
- Today’s main growing regions in California, Spain, and Italy.
- In 2022 alone, over 3.6 million tonnes of almonds were harvested worldwide.
- There are hundreds of almond varieties, including Nonpareil, Carmel, Larguetta, and Valencia, each with its own unique flavour and texture.
A little history: when did candied almonds appear?
Roasted almonds first appeared in an old document in Everyone’s enjoyed this sweet treat at least once – grandparents, parents, and kids alike. It might feel like candied almonds have always existed, but the first written mention dates back to 1871, describing “the art of almond roasting”. Almonds, sugar, and water were cooked until the sugar caramelised, coating each almond in a glossy, golden layer. Back then, they were known as “Viennese almonds”.
Quick and easy: how to make candied almonds
Getting that perfect crunch is simple. Whether you prefer using the oven, microwave, or air fryer, they all work – but the classic method in a pan gives the best results in around 10-20 minutes.
Candied almonds in a pan
Ingredients:
- 200 g of unpeeled almonds
- 200 g of sugar
- 100 ml of water
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Not sure what kind of almonds to use? Tip: Make sure you use unpeeled almonds, as the sugar only sticks to the skin! Traditionally, white sugar is used, since it caramelises the best.
Recipe:
- Add sugar, water and cinnamon to a pan and bring to a boil. Let it reach around 150ºC.
- Add the almonds and let cook on high heat while constantly stirring until the sugar gets dry and crumbly.
- Continue heating and stirring until the sugar melts again and the almonds are covered in caramelised sugar.
- Spread the candied almonds on a baking tray lined with baking paper to let cool. Spread them nicely so they don't stick together. Once they get colder, enjoy!
Beyond the classic: creative twists on candied almonds
Traditional recipes never go out of style, but a little creativity goes a long way. Try coating them in chocolate, sprinkling grated coconut on top, or making a savoury version with soy sauce instead of sugar. You can also experiment with spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or vanilla. Or swap almonds for other nuts such as macadamia, hazelnuts, peanuts, or cashews to create your own snack mix.
No time to cook? We’ve got you covered
If you’d rather skip the kitchen, explore our selection of roasted nuts in salted caramel style – from candied peanuts to caramelised pistachios. Whether homemade or ready to snack, find your favourite flavour and enjoy the crunch!
