The kernel of the fruit of the almond tree. The oval-shaped almond, which is encased in a light tan, pitted shell, is a smooth, flat, white nut covered with a cinnamon-brown skin. Almonds have a rich and mild flavor. In Greek cuisine they are used extensively in sweets like kourabmiedes and amigdalota for example. Almond paste and groundalmonds are two forms of almond that are also used in patisserie. The essential oil of the bitter almond is used to make amaretto. The fat in almonds consists of 86% unsaturated acids (65% monounsaturated and 21% polyunsaturated).