Almond Extract, have you made any?

[blissful]

I wanted to make some almond extract.
Bitter almonds can't be bought in the US they are poisonous, I've read.

We planted a Stark Bros SweetHeart apricot tree in 2015. I wanted this kind because the 'nut' in the middle of the pit is edible and not poisonous.

When I was reading up on making almond flavor extract, they said to use the 'nut' of the pit of plums or apricots, or use cherry seeds. (I also have cherry seeds available.)

Has anyone else made almond extract? I want to try to do that this next summer.

 

[Katie H]

No, never made any almond extract, but have successfully made wonderful vanilla extract. I'll be interested in how you fare in your research and endeavors.

 

[blissful]

@Katie H thanks!
I have quarts of vanilla beans, cut lengthwise, in vodka, I use for vanilla, assembled and marinating since 2022.

I know I'd like to have almond extract. Hence the thread.
I have a really nice coconut extract and a peppermint extract, both from Olive Nation, they are super concentrated and I really like them. I use the peppermint for nice-cream and a few drops of coconut added to curry.

 

[taxlady]

I have never made almond extract. But, I have eaten a Danish marcipan that had apricot pits as one of the ingredients. It does enhance the almond flavour. But, you have to be careful not to put too much, because they have the same toxin as bitter almonds have. I have seen Danish recipes for marcipan that include a small amount of bitter almonds. It makes sense that using the nut of the pit of plums, prunes, or cherries would be almond like. They are all in the genus, prunus. The toxin is called amygdalin and can cause cyanide poisoning. I think it is considered unsafe for an adult to eat more than two bitter almonds, apricot kernels, etc., in one day.

 

[RLovesCooking]

@Katie H thanks!
I have quarts of vanilla beans, cut lengthwise, in vodka, I use for vanilla, assembled and marinating since 2022.

I know I'd like to have almond extract. Hence the thread.
I have a really nice coconut extract and a peppermint extract, both from Olive Nation, they are super concentrated and I really like them. I use the peppermint for nice-cream and a few drops of coconut added to curry.

Where did you get your vanilla beans from? Just online?

 

[In A Pickle]

Not to be a party pooper as I’m a lover of almonds and would absolutely love an almond tree (even looked into getting one) but if you have a tree you may end up eating rather a lot of almonds so it might be prudent to mention that they have an extremely high oxalate content.
As you know they’re not toxic in the same way as bitter almonds but it’s still recommended to limit daily intake. Over here that’s about 30 grams which they say is around 20-23 nuts (dunno never checked that).
I think the processing of of the almonds reduces the oxalate content rather than concentrates it but I couldn’t say that with any confidence, might be worth checking.. or ignoring completely

 

[larry_stewart]

I wanted to make some almond extract.
Bitter almonds can't be bought in the US they are poisonous, I've read.

We planted a Stark Bros SweetHeart apricot tree in 2015. I wanted this kind because the 'nut' in the middle of the pit is edible and not poisonous.

When I was reading up on making almond flavor extract, they said to use the 'nut' of the pit of plums or apricots, or use cherry seeds. (I also have cherry seeds available.)

Has anyone else made almond extract? I want to try to do that this next summer.

Never have, but very curious how it turns out.

 

[HeyItsSara]

I don't like the taste of almond extract or almond licquer. So no, I wouldn't bother making it.

 

[blissful]

I bought vanilla beans on ebay. They are quite expensive. I don't recall the type anymore (that was 2022). It wasn't the lowest quality nor the highest quality.

@In A Pickle, Almonds are thought to be very good for bone health. Almond trees grow well in zones 7-9 (we're in 4-5).

 

[HeyItsSara]

Why was this posted in the Garden section?

 

[blissful]

Why was this posted in the Garden section?

Ah so YOU are the librarian of cooking knowledge and can direct us to the correct section of the forum!
Apricot nuts from the pit. To make extract (I couldn't find a good section or thread for extracts--your ideas are welcome). The Apricot tree just started producing a good amount of apricots last year. In my backyard.
Once you figure out the section it should be moved to, then please ask a moderator to move it. Thanks!