Almendras

The almond is a key ingredient of the Spanish diet, and probably the most versatile as it features in every aspect of Spanish cooking, from tapas to soups, sauces to stews, and from puddings to sweets. The word for almond – ‘almendra’ – has roots in the Moorish past, for the Arabs were very partial to them and planted trees all along the Mediterranean coast from Tarragona to Málaga. When the trees flower in late winter there is a spectacular blaze of white and pink blossom; the fruit are harvested in August and September. (See Spanish Suppliers)