10 Savory Almond Recipes

If there's a nut worth celebrating, it's almonds. That's because almonds have been a part of human history since ancient times -- the nut is even mentioned in the Bible. For many centuries, people have been eating and enjoying almonds in many different forms and ways, including cooking with them.

Almonds are so versatile that they can be made into almond butter, almond milk, almond flour and even almond oil (also used in the cosmetic industry). The different forms are used to create everything from sweets to savory dishes in cuisines around the world. But of course almonds are great for eating out of hand too.

• Almonds originate in the Middle East.
• Almonds are actually stone fruit, related to peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries.
• The state of California produces 80% of the world's supply of almonds.
• Chocolate manufacturers use 40% of the world's supply of almonds.
• Almonds contain absolutely no cholesterol and are high in magnesium and vitamin E.
• A handful of almonds (about 1 ounce) contains 163 calories, 14 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber and 6 grams protein (National Nutrient Database).
• The American Heart Association (AHA) has certified almonds as a heart-healthy food.

After reading those facts, what are you waiting for? Start eating almonds!

Take a look through our gallery of healthy recipes. Each one uses almonds in an interesting way -- one recipe uses almonds to create a crusty topping for fish, another uses them as a breading, and another grinds the almonds to a paste so it can be used as a thick sauce. Learn some healthy new ways to incorporate almonds into your diet.

How do you like to enjoy almonds? Leave a comment.