Almond

Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis

Botanical Description: Almond is a small deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to the Middle East and South Asia.

Cosmetic Benefits: Almond oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, and vitamins, such as vitamin E, which help moisturize and nourish the skin. It has emollient properties that help soften and smooth the skin, reducing dryness and irritation. Almond oil also has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from oxidative damage and premature aging.

Scientific Overview: Almonds produce edible seeds enclosed in a hard, woody shell. The seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular ingredient in culinary and skincare products.

Cultivation and Harvest: Almond trees are cultivated in temperate regions worldwide for their nuts. The nuts are harvested when the outer hull splits open, revealing the shell inside. The shells are cracked to extract the kernels, which are then processed for use.

Plant Morphology: Almond trees have narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produce clusters of fragrant, white or pale pink flowers in early spring. The fruits are oval-shaped nuts with a hard, wrinkled shell and a single seed inside.