Full List of Fruits Indian almond
Introduction of Indian almondNutritional Value of Indian almondTaste of Indian almondHealth Benefits of Indian almondHow to Open/CutStorage
Indian almond
Scientific name - Terminalia catappa
Known by several other common names such as Bengal almond, tropical almond, Malabar almond and country almond, Terminalia catappa is a large tropical tree from the leadwood tree family. With different male and female flowers on the same tree, the trees come under the category of monoecious. Produced on axillary or terminal spikes, both are 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter, white to greenish, with petals that are inconspicuous.
With just about 20+ vernacular names, the tree grows to 35m- 115 ft tall. When fully ripe, the seed within the fruit can even be consumed and it tastes like almond. Coming to the fruit it bears, it is a drupe 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) long and 3–5.5 cm (1.2–2.2 in) broad. The color of the fruit changes from start to end, green at first, and then yellow and finally when ripe, they are red in color and contains a single seed.
Nutritional Value of Indian almond
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 575 Kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.67 g | 16% |
| Protein | 21.22 g | 38% |
| Total Fat | 49.42 g | 165% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.20 g | 30% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 50 µg | 12.5% |
| Niacin | 3.385 mg | 21% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.47 mg | 9% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.143 mg | 11% |
| Riboflavin | 1.014 mg | 78% |
| Thiamin | 0.211 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 26 mg | 173% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 705 mg | 15% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 264 mg | 26% |
| Copper | 0.996 mg | 110% |
| Iron | 3.72 mg | 46.5% |
| Magnesium | 268 mg | 67% |
| Manganese | 0.10 mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus | 9.21 mg | 1% |
| Selenium | 2.5 µg | 4.5% |
| Zinc | 3.08 mg | 28% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 1 µg | -- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 1 µg | -- |
Considered as a vital foodstuff in Vanuatu, inspite of the taste being not pleasant or noteworthy, villagers consume this aromatic fleshy fruit. Tasting the Indian almonds give you a nutty taste that’s just like almonds, also it has great oil content. Taste of the fruit differs at times; sometimes they are bitter and other tomes tastes sweet. It is also said that the Filipinos make wine from this particular fruit.
With not much flavor or taste, the fruit has a pleasant aroma and the ripe outer layer of the fruit can be eaten raw. They are best when young and sweet. With almond and hazel-nut flavor, the seeds make a great snack. The oil extracted can also be used for cooking or in soap making.
Tropical almonds and fishes have a great connection; they are used by breeders of tropical aquarium fishes to keep them hale and hearty. It includes bettas, catfishes and black water tetras. Given that tropical almond has antibacterial properties, it is brilliant in this regard.
In view of the fact that, the nature of the seeds is obstinate, they have very short life, with no capacity to withstand low temperatures; they cannot be dried well as well.
The tree is best grown under the following circumstances and it includes:
Well-drained soil
Moist and full-sun
Planting is good in frost free areas
With many tropical trees, this is the case and tropical almonds can be grown in a container where its size can be controlled for many years.
Health Benefits of Indian almond
While some Indian almonds can be cracked opened with the teeth, others require a knife to open. Some open it by hitting a stone on it.
As far as fresh nuts are concerned, they grow moldy at room temperature in a day or two. The life of the nuts can be preserved for years to come, if you roast and store them.
