INTERESTING FACTS AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALMONDS, CASHEW, TURKISH APRICOTS, AND DRIED PEACHES.

As they say, knowledge is power and as we grow we are always learning new interesting facts about our selves and where it all began. So stick around and lets leaner things.

Almonds

A chocolatier will use a least 40% of the world's entire almonds harvest to make our favorite mouth-watering chocolate bars.

The almond tree was transported by shippes to California from Spain in the mid-1700s by the Franciscan Padres. It takes an estimated 1000 pounds of almonds to make a 1 pint of almond oil. The outer hulls of Almonds are not consumed by humans and are instead used as cattle feed.

Almonds have a long storage life span and can be refrigerated for up to 2 years in a sealed container.  Almonds deliver a massive amount of nutrients loaded with antioxidants, and are high in vitamin E. Almonds also can protect your heart in several ways.

Cashew

The cashew tree can grow on an average height of 12 meters and is an evergreen tropical tree. The cashew trees were shipped to India by Portuguese explorers from brazil in the 16th century.

The outer shell of the cashew nut is used in the industrial manufacturing of weapons. And can also be used for waterproofing and lubricating machine parts. 

 The different types of cashew grades W-180 are the king of cashew; they are larger in size and costly. W-210 is popularly known as jumbo nuts. W-240 is an attractive grade reasonably priced. W-320 is the most popular among cashew consumers and highest in terms of availability worldwide. Benefits in eating cashew nuts are Improves the health of skin and hair, Aids weight loss, Improves the nerves in your body, and Can help treat depression.

Apricots

The scientific name for apricots “Armeniaca” was first used by Gaspard Bauhin in his Pinax Theatri Botanici, referring to the species as Maia Armeniaca or “Armenian apple.” sources say that the apricot was first cultivated in India in about 3,000 BC.

Apricots' introduction to Greece is attributed to Alexander the Great. In the 17th century, England apricot oil was used in herbalism treatments intended to act against tumors, swelling, and ulcers. 

California and Mediterranean dried apricots begin with two different varieties of fruit that are also processed differently—factors that help give each type a distinctive taste, texture, and appearance. Deep orange in color, California apricots are halved before drying, resulting in the flesh that’s thin and shriveled. Yellowish-orange Mediterranean (also known as Turkish) apricots are dried whole and then pitted. Their flesh is thicker and plumper than that of the California variety—not surprising since fruit dried whole will retain more moisture than halved fruit. The health benefits of eating a dried apricot great sources of many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. Apricots boast multiple compounds that are essential for eye health. 

This research suggests that apricots may help prevent liver damage because of their naturally high antioxidant content.

Peaches

Due to its unique taste, peaches quickly spread to many countries of the world, where they became very popular.

They’re thought to have originated in China more than 8,000 years ago.

The homeland of peaches is South America. Europeans were first introduced to these fruits by Christopher Columbus, who brought these plants from his famous expedition. During one of NASA's explorations to the moon, an astronaut ate a peach. Making it the first fruit to be eaten in outer space. Peaches are related to plums, apricots, cherries, and almonds. They’re considered drupes or stone fruit because their flesh surrounds a shell that houses an edible seed. 

peaches are nutritious and may offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief. Peaches may lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels