BITTER ALMOND Meaning and
Definition
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Bitter almond refers to a specific variety of almond, known for its distinctly acrid and intense flavor. In botanical terms, the bitter almond is the seed of the Prunus dulcis tree, commonly referred to as the almond tree. This variety contains a higher concentration of a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin, compared to the more commonly consumed sweet almonds. The attribute that primarily distinguishes bitter almonds from their sweet counterparts is their bitter taste.
The flavor of bitter almonds is often described as a mixture of marzipan and mild cyanide. Although the taste is prominent and intense, it is not generally considered to be pleasant or desirable for direct consumption. Due to the presence of amygdalin, bitter almonds can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when crushed or processed. Consequently, they are not advisable for consumption in their raw form.
However, despite being unsuitable for direct consumption, bitter almonds find applications in various culinary recipes and preparations. Their unique and potent flavor is often harnessed for making extracts, flavorings, and culinary oils. Furthermore, they are sometimes used in the production of specific spirits, desserts, and confectionery, offering a complementary essence to these preparations.
It is important to exercise caution when handling and using bitter almonds due to their potential toxicity. If consuming a product that contains bitter almond flavor, it is essential to ensure that it is made from properly processed and regulated ingredients, ensuring the removal or neutralization of any harmful compounds.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BITTER ALMOND
- vitter almond
- nitter almond
- hitter almond
- gitter almond
- butter almond
- bjtter almond
- bktter almond
- botter almond
- b9tter almond
- b8tter almond
- birter almond
- bifter almond
- bigter almond
- biyter almond
- bi6ter almond
- bi5ter almond
- bitrer almond
- bitfer almond
- bitger almond
Etymology of BITTER ALMOND
The word "bitter almond" has its origin in Old English and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *bitraz, meaning "bitter". The adjective "bitter" itself comes from the Old English word bitere, which has the same meaning. The word "almond" is derived from the Old French word almande, which originated from the Latin word amygdala. Ultimately, amygdala can be traced back to the Greek word amygdalē, which means "almond". Therefore, the etymology of "bitter almond" involves the combination of the Old English word for bitterness and the Latin/Greek word for almond.
Similar spelling words for BITTER ALMOND
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