How to Eat Green Almond Fruit?

Green almond fruit can be enjoyed in different ways depending on its maturity: you can eat the entire fruit when it's very young and tender, or you can extract and consume the inner kernel once the outer husk becomes firm and bitter.

Understanding Green Almond Stages

Green almonds are immature almonds harvested before the outer husk hardens and dries. Their flavor and texture evolve as they mature, dictating the best way to consume them.

1. Eating Young, Tender Green Almonds

When green almonds are very young, the entire fruit—including the soft, fuzzy outer green husk and the nascent kernel inside—is edible.

• Preparation: Simply wash the fruit thoroughly under cold water.
• Consumption: You can eat them whole, much like a fruit. They offer a unique, refreshing crunch with a tart, grassy, and slightly bitter flavor profile. The inside will be jelly-like and barely formed.

2. Eating Slightly Older Green Almonds

As green almonds mature slightly, their outer green husk becomes firmer and can develop a bitter taste, making it inedible. At this stage, the focus shifts to the developing nut inside.

• Identifying the Stage: Look for green almonds that feel firmer to the touch, indicating the outer husk is no longer tender.
• Extraction Process:
  1. Prepare: Place the green almond on a sturdy surface.
  2. Crack Open: Carefully use a small, sharp knife (like a paring knife) to score or crack open the tough outer green husk. You might need to apply a bit of pressure.
  3. Extract: Once cracked, you can easily extract the firmer, milky white almond kernel that has begun to form inside.
  4. Discard: Discard the bitter outer green husk.
• Consumption: The inner kernel at this stage is milky, tender, and has a delicate, subtly sweet almond flavor, often described as a cross between a fresh pea and a mature almond.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Green Almonds

Green almonds are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a simple snack or incorporated into various culinary dishes.

• Simple Snack: A classic and popular way to enjoy green almonds is with just a sprinkling of sea salt. The salt enhances their unique flavor, whether you're eating the whole young fruit or just the milky kernel.
• Culinary Applications: Their fresh, tart, and slightly nutty flavor makes them an excellent addition to:
  • Pastas: Slice them thinly and toss into pasta dishes for a fresh crunch.
  • Stews: Add whole or halved green almonds to stews during the last few minutes of cooking for a unique texture and flavor.
  • Salads: They provide a delightful pop of flavor and texture to fresh green salads or grain salads.
  • Pickling: Green almonds can also be pickled, preserving their unique flavor for longer enjoyment.
  • Dips & Spreads: Roughly chop and incorporate them into savory dips or spreads.

For a quick reference on how to prepare green almonds based on their stage of ripeness, see the table below:

Green almonds are a seasonal delicacy, often available in late spring to early summer. Enjoy them fresh to experience their unique taste and texture.