almond granita

A teardrop-shaped tree nut (*Prunus dulcis*) prized for its subtle sweetness, woody flavor, and firm crunch. Blanched almonds (skins removed) are often ground into fine flours for delicate pastries like macarons, while skin-on, roasted almonds provide robust texture and bitterness to savory dishes. **Selection & Storage:** Choose almonds that smell sweet and nutty, avoiding any that smell sharp or like paint (a sign of rancidity). Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve their volatile oils.