How to peel almonds

by Eddy Van Damme on December 1, 2009

how to peel almonds

How to peel almonds

Sometimes we forget how healthy and nutritious certain foods really are. Case in point: Almonds.  They pack an amazing amount of nutrition, being rich in vitamin E, manganese, magnesium and a good source of fiber, copper, riboflavin and phosphorous.

Almonds are treasured all around the world.  In the 1700s the Spanish brought the almond tree to California, which now produces over 80% of the worlds almond crop. The biggest importers of almonds are Spain, Germany, India, Japan and the Netherlands.

To me, almonds are one of the most luxurious ingredients on earth. Perfectly toasted, they are delicious in Florentines and almond tuiles. Some of the most elegant confections I make are based on almond flour or almond paste, such as French macaroons and San Diego’s.

Getting it all together!

Peeling almonds takes no time. For every cup of almonds bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Add the almonds to the boiling water. After sixty to ninety seconds remove from heat and pour the almonds in a colander. Press the almonds between your thumb and index finger and the peel comes right off. Done!  If desired, toast the almonds.

almonds

blanching almonds

blanched almonds

With special thanks to Matthew Zoch for his appearance in photograph 1.

5 comments on “How to peel almonds

  1. Diana Wallace on said:

    Great information to know! Thanks Chef Eddy!

  2. I love simple tricks like this that really are so impressive… I’m excited to try this … Thanks for sharing!

  3. Anne on said:

    Doesn’t throwing the almonds into boiling water and boiling them for 60 – 90 seconds kill the nutritional value, like the enzymes, of the almonds?
    Thanks!

  4. the peel you are removing is where a lot of that nutritional value you’re referring to is located. way to make them less good for you…

  5. Mary Lorraine Matiling on said:

    Hey Chef Eddy,
    I didn’t even know you could peel almonds. Thank you for the information but is there a reason for doing so? Is it more beneficial peeled or is it just just to achieve a certain look?

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