Almonds, a nutritional treasure that should always be in your pantry
Almonds are one of the most beneficial nuts for our body.
Crunchy, delicate, versatile… Almonds have been part of our cuisine for centuries, in both sweet and savoury recipes. They are found in the sauces of many traditional stews, in cold soups such as ajoblanco, in pie fillings and, of course, in desserts such as nougat, marzipan and tarta de Santiago. But beyond their flavour and texture, almonds have such a powerful nutritional profile that they deserve a daily place in our diet.
In fact, few things are more complete than a handful of almonds: they have more fibre than pistachios, more potassium than a banana and a good handful of essential vitamins and minerals. Their delicate, slightly sweet flavour makes them perfect for improvising healthy snacks, enriching salads, adding texture to creams or replacing flour in gluten-free baking.
At GURMÉ, we tell you why this small nut is a gem for your health and your kitchen. And if you don’t already, maybe it’s time to start using almonds beyond Christmas.
More fibre than a pistachio, more potassium than a banana
One of the great benefits of almonds is their impressive dietary fibre content, surpassing other popular nuts such as pistachios and walnuts. This fibre not only aids digestion and intestinal transit, but also helps regulate cholesterol, control appetite and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
But if there is one thing that is even more surprising, it is their potassium concentration. While 100 grams of banana—one of the fruits most associated with this mineral—contains about 350 mg of potassium, almonds provide more than double that amount. This mineral is essential for proper muscle function, the nervous system, and blood pressure. It is a true nutritional gem.
A versatile ingredient for sweet and savoury dishes
Beyond their nutritional value, almonds have a great advantage in the kitchen: they adapt to all kinds of recipes. They can be eaten raw, roasted, in cream, chopped, as a base for healthy pastries or even turned into a vegetable drink.
They are also used in international dishes, such as chicken in almond sauce, or even in vegetarian dishes to add texture and flavour, such as in these tagliatelle with almond sauce.
An ally in healthy and sustainable diets
Thanks to their nutritional profile, almonds are a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, as they provide complete vegetable proteins and healthy fats.
However, almonds are energy-dense, so they should be consumed in moderation. The ideal portion is around 20-25 grams per day, which is equivalent to a handful or about 20 almonds.
And if you are looking for alternatives to dairy or wheat, almonds make it easy: you can make homemade almond milk or use them to make delicious homemade bread with almond flour.
Few things are as simple, natural and complete as a handful of almonds. They are filling, healthy, easy to take anywhere and perfect for incorporating into your daily routine, whether you are looking to watch your diet or simply want to eat something tasty and nutritious.
So now you know: if you want more fibre than a pistachio and more potassium than a banana, there is an ideal nut in your pantry. And it’s called an almond.
