Blue Diamond Almonds Are Sweet Almonds, Not Bitter
Contrary to a common misconception, Blue Diamond almonds are not bitter almonds. The company explicitly states that all their products are made from sweet almonds, which are the safe, edible variety commonly sold in stores. The potential confusion stems from the existence of two main types of almonds: sweet and bitter, which are distinct species with very different properties.
The Fundamental Difference Between Sweet and Bitter Almonds
Sweet almonds come from the tree Prunus dulcis var. dulcis and are the variety consumed widely as a snack and used in cooking, baking, and for making products like almond milk. They have a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Bitter almonds, however, come from Prunus dulcis var. amara and contain significant levels of a toxic compound called amygdalin.
The Danger of Bitter Almonds
When ingested, the amygdalin in bitter almonds breaks down into poisonous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the body. Consuming even a small number of raw bitter almonds can be harmful or even fatal, especially to children. Due to this toxicity, raw bitter almonds are illegal to sell for consumption in many countries, including the United States, and are not found on grocery store shelves alongside sweet almonds. Processed bitter almond extract, in which the cyanide has been removed, may be used for flavoring, but the raw nut is a serious health hazard.
Why Would an Almond Taste Bitter?
If a Blue Diamond almond or another sweet almond tastes bitter, it's not because it's a bitter almond. Instead, a bitter or unpleasant taste is a strong indicator of spoilage or rancidity. All nuts, including sweet almonds, contain fats and oils that can go bad over time when exposed to oxygen, a process known as oxidation. This results in an off-putting, chemical-like flavor that can be mistaken for the intense bitterness of the toxic bitter almond variety.
How to Tell if Your Almonds Are Rancid
To determine if your sweet almonds have gone bad, look and smell for these warning signs:
- Appearance: Check for shriveled, discolored, or moldy nuts.
- Smell: A sour, chemical, or paint-like odor is a key indicator of rancidity.
- Taste: An intensely bitter or sour taste is a sure sign they are past their prime.
A Comparison of Almond Varieties
To help clarify the differences, here is a breakdown of sweet vs. bitter almonds.
| Feature | Sweet Almonds (Prunus dulcis var. dulcis) | Bitter Almonds (Prunus dulcis var. amara) |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, nutty, slightly sweet | Intensely bitter, unpleasant, inedible raw |
| Cyanide Content | Contains only trace, negligible amounts of cyanide | High concentration of amygdalin, which converts to poisonous hydrogen cyanide |
| Commercial Availability | Widely available for snacking and cooking | Raw form is typically illegal for sale; processed extract is sometimes used for flavoring |
| Usage | Snacking, cooking, baking, almond milk, almond flour | Primarily used for processed extracts or oil where toxins are removed; not for direct consumption |
| Safety | Considered safe and healthy for consumption | Highly toxic and dangerous if consumed raw |
Blue Diamond's Quality Control and Freshness
Blue Diamond Growers, like other reputable almond producers, adheres to strict quality control and safety standards to ensure its products are fresh, safe, and made only from sweet almonds. They emphasize freshness and flavor, and their processes are designed to protect against the oxidative process that leads to rancidity. If you have any concerns about a product's taste or quality, it is always best to contact the company's customer service.
For more information on the dangers of bitter almonds, a great resource is the WebMD overview.
Conclusion
The definitive answer to the question "are blue diamond almonds bitter almonds?" is no. Blue Diamond only uses sweet, edible almonds in its products. The intense bitterness associated with the phrase "bitter almond" refers to a different, toxic variety of almond not intended for human consumption. If you taste a bitter almond from a commercial package, it is almost certainly a sweet almond that has gone rancid. Always pay attention to the taste and smell of your nuts to ensure a safe and pleasant eating experience.
