Monday, September 24, 2007

The peach family

Pluots are a hybrid cross between plums and apricots.

Nectarines are really peaches with a genetic mutation to exclude the fuzz.

Amaretto flavoring is not actually from almonds, contrary to popular belief. It is generally made from the kernels of apricots. Sometimes the pits from apricots we buy in the store (depending on hybrid) smell like amaretto, though they are bitter tasting. This bitterness comes from a toxin that must be blanched out of the kernels (so don’t go munching on apricot kernels).

Marzipan is traditionally made up of sugar and almonds, with one bitter almond for ever 100 sweet ones.

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