Almond flour

The almond flour is obtained by cold pressing and grinding the almonds. It can be obtained both from already shelled and peeled almonds and not: the most common is the light one with a fine grain but for a more rustic flavor you can resort to the whole one, darker.

How to make almond flour at home

Getting homemade almond flour is very simple thanks to a quick “do it yourself” method: just chop the almonds, both peeled and with the skin (or even toasted) according to your tastes, with a food processor or a powerful blender. The only precaution to keep in mind is to use very cold almonds (the ideal is to keep them in the fridge in a resealable container) to prevent them from dispersing their oil during grinding.

But where to buy almond flour if you don’t have time or a way to make it yourself? It is a product easily available in all grocery stores, both specialized in pastry products and in common supermarkets. However, oiled or degreased almond flour is also commercially available, obtained by mechanical cold pressing of the almonds, for a lighter and low-fat alternative.

This flour should be stored in a dry place and in a well-sealed container to prevent the oils it contains from turning rancid. In any case, it is a product that must be consumed in a fairly short time, especially if homemade: it goes from a week to a month from the date of realization.

Recipes with almond flour

Almond flour is mainly used in confectionery and for sweet recipes, but it can also be useful in the case of some savory doughs in which you want to obtain an original contrast and texture, or as a crispy breading for meat and fish. The best-known recipes that involve the use of this type of flour are very tasty: they range from French macarons, very colorful and soft (in this case we use very fine almond flour), to Italian specialties such as the Caprese chocolate cake or the Sicilian almond paste. The absence of gluten means that it is often used as a substitute for plain flour for cakes such as the one with yogurt or biscuits, but in turn it can be replaced with other gluten-free flours such as rice, hazelnuts or coconut.

Nutritional values

100 grams of almond flour contain around 545 kcal. Almond flour is gluten-free, therefore it is suitable for consumption by those suffering from celiac disease, and with particular attention also by those suffering from diabetes, given its low glycemic index (35). It is also highly appreciated for vegan recipes, since it makes the cakes in which it is used moist and soft, replacing the effect given by eggs and milk.

Its use is not recommended in case of intolerance or allergy to nuts.