The almond tree is actually a member of the rose family. This medium sized tree is also closely related to, and visually similar to, a peach, plum, or apricot tree. By classification, almonds are not actually nuts; they are drupes. A drupe is a stone fruit that has an outer flesh that surrounds a shell that contains a seed. But unlike the peach, plum, and apricot where the flesh is eaten and the pit is discarded, with almonds, it is the pit that is kept while the outer flesh is discarded. The edible kernel is the healthy, delectable treat that is enjoyed on a worldwide scale.
Almonds are further classified into two different categories: sweet and bitter.
The sweet almonds are the ones you’ve likely eaten already. This variety is oval in shape, somewhat chewy in texture, and has a rich buttery taste. You can find them either still in their hard shell, or much more commonly, with the shell removed. These shelled almonds can either be purchased whole, slivered, sliced, or blanched with their skin removed.
The other variety, bitter almonds, are used to make almond oil, which you will find as a flavoring for foods. The actual nuts are otherwise inedible and toxic, but the harmful components are removed when the almond oil is processed.