Almond Oil

Almond oil comes from almonds, of which there are two basic types. Its scientific name is "oleum amygdalae." It is a glyceryl oleate. It has a nutty taste and it is nutritive; it can be consumed. It has a slight and pleasant odor. It is not soluble in alcohol. However, you can dissolve it in ether or chloroform. It is useful as a substitute for olive oil. Sweet almond oil is extracted from the plant kernel. Traditionally, this oil is used by massage therapists, who lubricate clients' skins with it during massage session. It is also considered a very effective emollient and is good for dry skin.

The almond itself, also known as Prunus amygdalus, Amygdalus communis, or Prunus dulcis, grows on a small deciduous tree; the tree belongs to the family Rosaceae,of the subfamily Prunoideae. Even though the almond itself is a nut, it is in fact the "fruit" of the tree. The plant itself is in the same classification as the peach, with the subgenus Amygdalus within Prunus. It is distinguished from other subgenera by its seed shell, which is corrugated.

Unlike other members of the genus such as the cherry or plum, the almond's outer covering is not sweet and edible. Instead, it is a hull, with the nut inside. The shell is also called an "endocarp", while the fruit (also called the "exocarp"), is a "drupe" with an outer coat that is comprised of a downy-like substance.

Originally a native of southwest Asia, the domesticated tree can grow and produce ripe fruit as far north as the British Isles. The tree itself is small, growing to a height of just between four and nine meters. Police themselves are lanceolate and 6 to 12 cm long. Their edges are serrated. The tree's flowers are either pale pink or white and grow to approximately 3 to 5 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals, which grow before the leaves are produced in the early spring.

Return to Carrier Oils from Almond Oil