Just to be very specific, Almond Flour and Almond Meal is basically the same except one has skins before being ground up and the other did not. This makes one lighter in color and the other darker, simple, right? Making both the almond flour and meal is super easy, because it's just a matter of grinding up almonds. So if you have the time and inclination, go for it!
If you have a blender or food processor, and little bit time, than make it yourself. Many people suggest that you make it yourself to avoid cross contamination with wheat. To make it yourself simply skin the almonds and grind them in the blender. Be careful to watch how much time you grind the almonds because if you grind them too long you will end up with almond butter. For almond meal it is the same process except easier because you do not skin the almonds. For all the Foodies out there, skinning an almond is technically called blanching, but if I said blanched almonds very few would know that it wasn't some sort of rare almond.
Like pancakes? Almond meal is ideal for that sort of dryer baked good. Almond flour, on the other end of the spectrum, is best used for foods which need finer and moister texture such as cakes, cookies and other pastries. Surprisingly, I find it difficult to make bread with it. Like all gluten free flours almond flour and meal works best in combination with other flours such as potato flour or rice flour. Remember by adding Xanthan gum (which is a sticky substance that replaces the gluten found in wheat flours) you're on safer ground with this sort of freestyle baking.
So why use Almonds for this stuff?
Almond flours could be found in Europe all the way back to the Middle Ages. People in extravagant hats were using it was an alternative to wheat flour even back then. It was "rediscovered" with the increase in Celiac Diseases and has been fondly embraced by the modern baseball cap wearing age. Almonds are good for you. Period. Since both almond meal and flour are gluten free, high in protein, low in carbohydrates and also low in sugar there's nothing to hold you back from trying them. They also have many health benefits and they include essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. If there ever was a superfood, this is it!
Most almond fat is unsaturated fat, a cleaner fat. Eating them regularly could help lower your cholesterol levels and heart diseases. Almonds also contain folic acid and it's believed that this helps to lower levels of homocystein, the amino acid that is thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. They're also easy to carry are easy to find in the store.
A huge bonus is that there are studies which link almonds and other consumption of nuts with lowering the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer diseases, cancer and many more diseases. So by using almond flour and meal, you're actually making your future brighter and healthier!
You can find both Almond Flour and Meal at your local health food store, such as Trader Joe's, Mother's Market or Whole Foods. If that's not convenient enough for you, try ordering them online from one of these distributors.
Companies which sell Almond Flour and Almond Meal?
Shiloh Farms , Bobs Red Mill, Fun Fresh Foods, Honeyville, Lucy's Kitchen Shop, Now Foods
Life is about trying new things and almonds are a lot safer and better for you than say, knife throwing, so enjoy them and enjoy your improved health!
If you have a blender or food processor, and little bit time, than make it yourself. Many people suggest that you make it yourself to avoid cross contamination with wheat. To make it yourself simply skin the almonds and grind them in the blender. Be careful to watch how much time you grind the almonds because if you grind them too long you will end up with almond butter. For almond meal it is the same process except easier because you do not skin the almonds. For all the Foodies out there, skinning an almond is technically called blanching, but if I said blanched almonds very few would know that it wasn't some sort of rare almond.
Like pancakes? Almond meal is ideal for that sort of dryer baked good. Almond flour, on the other end of the spectrum, is best used for foods which need finer and moister texture such as cakes, cookies and other pastries. Surprisingly, I find it difficult to make bread with it. Like all gluten free flours almond flour and meal works best in combination with other flours such as potato flour or rice flour. Remember by adding Xanthan gum (which is a sticky substance that replaces the gluten found in wheat flours) you're on safer ground with this sort of freestyle baking.
So why use Almonds for this stuff?
Almond flours could be found in Europe all the way back to the Middle Ages. People in extravagant hats were using it was an alternative to wheat flour even back then. It was "rediscovered" with the increase in Celiac Diseases and has been fondly embraced by the modern baseball cap wearing age. Almonds are good for you. Period. Since both almond meal and flour are gluten free, high in protein, low in carbohydrates and also low in sugar there's nothing to hold you back from trying them. They also have many health benefits and they include essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. If there ever was a superfood, this is it!
Most almond fat is unsaturated fat, a cleaner fat. Eating them regularly could help lower your cholesterol levels and heart diseases. Almonds also contain folic acid and it's believed that this helps to lower levels of homocystein, the amino acid that is thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. They're also easy to carry are easy to find in the store.
A huge bonus is that there are studies which link almonds and other consumption of nuts with lowering the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer diseases, cancer and many more diseases. So by using almond flour and meal, you're actually making your future brighter and healthier!
You can find both Almond Flour and Meal at your local health food store, such as Trader Joe's, Mother's Market or Whole Foods. If that's not convenient enough for you, try ordering them online from one of these distributors.
Companies which sell Almond Flour and Almond Meal?
Shiloh Farms , Bobs Red Mill, Fun Fresh Foods, Honeyville, Lucy's Kitchen Shop, Now Foods
Life is about trying new things and almonds are a lot safer and better for you than say, knife throwing, so enjoy them and enjoy your improved health!
About the Author:
Martina Berger is a scientist and she has a son with Gluten Intolerance. She made this websitefor families who are looking for a Gluten Free Lifestyle as well.Click here if you want to read more.
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