When it comes to almond oil and sweet almond oil, people can be forgiven for not always knowing the difference. After all, the differences are typically subtle and it takes someone who has knowledge of almonds and their culinary usage to articulate them. When choosing an almond oil, it is important to know what each one does and the best way to use it.
Primary Differences
The main difference between almond oil and sweet almond oil is that each is derived from various parts of the almond plant. Pure almond oil, which has a much more bitter taste to it, is taken from the area that grows pink flowers. These flowers produce the purest of almonds and lead to a bitter taste.
The sweet almond oil is taken from the part of the plant where white flowers grow. However, both of these oils are used in a variety of baking and cooking aspects, and it is crucial to know which oil will work best for your personal purposes.
The vast majority of cakes, cookies and other desserts use either sweet almond oil or pure almond oil. When baking bread or making a salad, it is best to use regular almond oil, as it brings out the natural taste of the food you are preparing.
Benefits
Sweet almond oil actually carries several benefits that can be enjoyed by the user outside of the realm of cooking. Aromatherapy advocates preach about the benefits of sweet almond oil and recommend it to those who are looking for a great massage. It is also used in many skin and hair care products, as it adds texture and shine to the hair and has healing properties that aid in the mending process of dry and cracked skin.
Almond oil that is not sweet has its own benefits and is used by those who struggle with high cholesterol, digestive system issues and nervous system function. Conversely, sweet almond oil is recommended for sore muscles, body aches and pains, and increased relaxation.
While sweet almond oil is used in flavoring techniques for many of our favorite sweets and plays a major role in aromatherapy and massage, unsweetened almond oil is used for health reasons and is added to a variety of foods in order to increase their nutritional value. Almond oil that has not been sweetened is often used to keep food healthy, while ensuring that taste is not sacrificed.
When deciding whether you are going to use almond oil or sweet almond oil, be sure to consider the specific project. If you are baking or need relief for sore muscles, sweet almond oil is the way to go. Those of us who wish to add flavor to our salads and breads should be using regular almond oil instead.