In Chinese,Apricot Kernel and Almond are both called:杏仁.But the 2 things is totally different.When we talk about 杏仁茶,it means Apricot Kernel Tea.And 杏仁奶 means Almond Milk.

The aroma of Apricot Kernel tea, which occasionally wafts through the air, is a nightmare for some, yet many others are captivated by its rich flavor. However, even if you don’t drink almond tea, you’ve undoubtedly tried Apricot Kernel chocolate, nougat, or Apricot Kernel tofu.

Why doesn’t “almond milk” seem to have that awful smell? Are all the almonds used the same variety? Have you heard of northern apricots, southern apricots, sweet apricots, bitter apricots, and almond nuts? Are there so many different kinds of almonds? What are the differences? Let’s find out!

Apricot Kernel

Almonds are native to East Asia and are harvested from the seeds of the apricot tree. The flesh of the apricot, called apricot kernel or apricot fruit, is sweet and juicy. Inside the apricot kernel is a hard pit, and the kernel inside the shell is the almond.

Apricot Kernel can be divided into two types:

southern apricots (sweet Apricot Kernel) and northern apricots (bitter almonds):

Southern apricots (sweet Apricot Kernel): Large, flat, and lighter in color, they are characterized by a mild aroma and a slightly sweet taste. Often used in desserts.

Northern apricot kernel (bitter Apricot Kernel): Small, thick, and yellowish in color, it is characterized by its strong aroma and bitter taste. It is used medicinally. It moistens the lungs and relieves asthma, but excessive intake of bitter almonds is advised. Consult a medical professional for recommended use.

It should not be eaten raw.

The two are often mixed in Chinese desserts such as almond tofu and almond tea. The distinctive smell of almonds comes from amygdalin.

This component decomposes under certain humidity conditions to produce benzaldehyde (almond oil), glucose, and the toxin hydrocyanic acid. Therefore, both northern and southern apricot kernels should not be eaten raw and must be processed and cooked before consumption.

Also, it is important to note that the natural almond aroma is not strong enough to be pungent. Some commercially available products have a strong aroma, which may be due to the addition of benzaldehyde flavoring and other spices. Be cautious when purchasing.

Almond Nuts

Officially known as “almond,” almonds are native to the Middle East, India, and North Africa. The flesh is inedible. The kernel inside the pit is the oil-rich almond nut.

Almonds are rich in protein (primarily glutamic acid, arginine, and aspartic acid), fat (mostly monounsaturated fatty acids), carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals.

Moderate consumption contributes to heart health and is also a good source of carbohydrates for those on a low-carb diet.

Almond nuts can be divided into two types:

Sweet almonds: After the shell is removed, they are sold as is. They are commonly used in Western pastries and chocolate desserts, and can also be extracted to produce “sweet almond oil” for beauty products.

Bitter almonds: Not edible, they are often extracted into essential oil for use in beauty products.

Almond nuts are collectively referred to as almonds, so “almond” and “apricot kernel” are often confused.

In fact, commercially available almond nuts, almond chocolate, almond butter, almond flakes, and almond milk are all made from almonds.

Apricot Kernel tea, Apricot Kernel tofu, and Apricot Kernel cream, on the other hand, are made from apricot kernels, which are the source of the tangy almond flavor that people immediately associate with “Apricot Kernel products.”

Almond flour can be made from either almonds or almonds. When purchasing, be sure to read the label and ask the store. You can even smell it to confirm which ingredient is which.

Almonds and apricot kernels, while both called almonds, differ in appearance, taste, and health effects:

Apricot kernels have a distinctive, rich aroma and are often used in traditional Eastern cuisine. They must be cooked before consumption, such as in Apricot Kernel tea and Apricot Kernel tofu, and are effective for lung health.

Almond: Its official name is “almond”. It can be eaten fresh and is often used in Western diets. It is the raw material for commercial desserts and almond milk. It has been medically proven that moderate consumption can help maintain heart health.