The almond tree.

• According to the Greek mythology Phyllis was a beautiful princess, daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, king of Athens, son of Theseus while he stopped in Thrace returning in Athens from the Trojan War. But after their marriage, Demophon wanted to go to Athens and see his father. She told him that he was free to leave and come back to her only when he was really ready to live with her. So, Demophon left and stayed in Athens for many years. After all these years she was convinced that he forgot her and committed suicide. When he finally returned back to Thrace people told him that she hanged up from an almond tree. He went there and hugged the bark of the tree. The tree blossomed as it does every February since then coz Phyllis’s soul is happy again.

The almond tree.

• The flowers are pink or white.

• Blooms in February.

When the flowers fall in their place begin to grow small fruits. The almonds.

• The fruits are green and fairy.

• When they are still tender are edible but sour.

On Summer the green housing matures and falls. The shell hardens and dries. It will fall on earth and a new

tree will grow from it on next year.

Almonds are a nutritious and healthy food. They contain mainly vitamin B and E and many trace minerals.

Almonds eaten raw, roasted, salted or unsalted, in sweets like Shredded Wheat, marzipan, dragees etc.