Amigdalia (Amygdalus communis, plus. Prunus amygdalus), native of southwestern and central Asia. Species and varieties of, even today, Native to Turkey, Syria, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Some say that in Greece moved during prehistoric times although some claim it is native type(rather reported on the wild almond-Prunus webbii species and Amygdalus communis sylvestris). However, it seems, from the findings of Franchthi, that shortly after the 10,000 ft ch wild almonds were the main type of food while in the classical period, "Naxos" almonds were the most popular dried fruit. In many parts of the East the Almond was known with the name "Athasia" from where arose the name by attrition honoured by the ancient "Thasias Tonsil". Either way, however,, almonds are an excellent food for thousands of years for both the Arabs, and the Greeks, with applications in cooking and pickling. There are also references in the Koran with symbolism similar to the Agiografikoys while the almond tree, as tree, an integral component of the Arab-Persian garden. Indeed, the first reference to garden in ancient Greek text(«The Economist», Xenophon), the almond tree is mentioned in the garden of Cyrus and has similar symbolism with the above. We can therefore say that it is a common symbolic element in cultures and religions
Properties
Medium-sized deciduous tree (as 20 meters high). The leaves are thin, color light green. Not perennial like Olive and Fig tree. Because it is the first fruit tree blooms, considered the symbol of resurrection. Indeed, Theophrastus states that "... no proanthei leaf and proivlastei ...». The flowers, come late winter, before the appearance of leaves. Because it can flourish even in late January to early February, too often likely to see it blossom while snowing.
Within one month after bloom, begins the development of green, plush fruit, tonsillar.
Cultivation of sweet almond
The non-domesticated almond tree appears in excavations in Greece from the 8.000 BC. But until the 3.000 BC. It has become the eximerwsi in Greece, as a cultivated tree. But the domesticated Almond was widely known to the Jews of the 16th BC. century.
Territorial requirements for growing almond:
The almond tree is considered by the more resistant to drought fruiting trees. But there are some varieties and other very durable (as the variety Retsou). The favorable soil types are analogous to the type of rootstock onto which spiked the almond tree. Generally though the almond makes almost all kinds of soils , even in Rocky and long sloping lands. It is therefore from the trees with smaller cultivation soil requirements.
Ideal climatic conditions for growing:
The ideal climatic conditions for the cultivation of almond is the Mediterranean with the following characteristics:
1. Small in duration (short, brachychrono) autumn, rainy and cold winter but without extreme temperatures
2. Sharp temperature elevation spring, without frosts from the moment you rise the eyes
3. Hot summer without rain and autumn without rains also. In most areas of the natural climate is ideal for productive cultivation of sweet almond.
Cultivated varieties in Greece:
Many varieties grown in Greece, as:
- Ferania
- Texas
- Retsou
- Kalogerata Chios
- Bolata Chiou
- Nikika Chios
- Potamitika Lasithioy
- Kalarotika Lasithioy
- Xirolimnis
- Distomo, Boeotia
- Phillis
Global production of almonds is 800.000 tons per year. The major producing countries is Spain, Italy and the USA. The Greek production consumed all inside, While minimal exports are bitter almonds are used in perfumery and pickling. [ Source: Wikipedia ]
The almond tree "blooms" profits for farmers
Dynamic entry into foreign markets for Greek almond, that is superior in quality and taste. Contracts with companies to ensure an adequate income for the producers. Attractive betting shows the cultivation of almond in terms of agriculture symbolaiakis, providing a satisfactory proposal for activity in the agricultural sector with significant growth prospects both within and outside the Greek borders. [Excerpt from TO VIMA, 2012]
Therapeutic Uses
The leaves and flowers of almond are antitussive and anthelmintic properties and almond oil is used as a cosmetic for the skin and healing burns. Almonds have tonic properties and beneficial effect on the nervous and urinary system. From the almonds in almond oil.
Properties:
The fresh leaves and bark of the amygdala has therapeutic qualities.
The decoction of the leaves and the bark of sweet almond is a very good laxative.
Dried almonds are against nausea,Why do contain calcium,chlorine , iron .
Amigdalia, produces two varieties. Variety with sweet fruits (dulcis) and that the bitter fruits (amaris).
Generally, almonds contain calcium, chlorine, cobalt, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Sweet fruits: Sweet almonds, lack amygdalin, bitter component of bitter almonds.
Internally, used almond emulsion.
Known cosmetic preparations made with sweet amygdolado.
Fresh leaves of almond, soothe the pain of ulcers, bruises, burns while decoction of the leaves is an excellent laxative. You should however avoid abuse.
Almonds help against nausea.
Bitter almonds:
The emulsion of bitter almonds helps in diseases of the respiratory system and in dysmenorrhea.
Bitter almonds also have antispasmodic properties.
Essential oil of bitter almonds recommended against foot odor and armpit.
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