What is Almond Flour?

Almond flour is flour made by grinding almonds. It is similar to almond meal. Almond flour can be used in quick breads and rolls, cookies, cakes and as a thickener. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Types

Almond flour is generally made from blanched almonds--that is, from nuts that have had the skin removed. This yields a finer texture than almond meal, which is made from almonds with the skins left on.

Benefits

The Mayo Clinic lists almonds as one of its top 10 "great health foods for eating well." Almonds are loaded with nutrients, and the fat they contain may be beneficial in improving cholesterol levels.

Other Benefits

People who have trouble digesting grains can use almond flour for baking. It does not contain gluten, so is also suitable for gluten-free diets.

Substitution

Substitute an equal amount of almond flour in recipes calling for regular flour. Because almonds do not contain gluten, adding an egg may keep cakes and breads from getting crumbly.

Fun Fact

You can make your own almond flour. The easiest and most economical way is to buy blanched almonds and process them in a food processor or blender until they reach a flour-like texture, something like whole wheat flour.