Sweet almonds are the familiar, edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking.
The oil of bitter almonds, which are inedible, is used in the manufacture of flavoring extracts for foods and liqueurs. The almond is a stone fruit related to the cherry, the plum, and the peach. As the almond grows, it resembles the peach until it approaches maturity. Because of its genetic proximity to the cherry, plum, and peach, almond sprigs can be grafted onto stone fruit trees. Springtime in almond orchards creates a visual feast for the eyes.