Cherry Almond Scent: Real Almonds Or Not?

Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which have a natural cherry smell. Cherries and almonds are both members of the same botanic family, Prunus, which is why all cherry will smell of almond. However, some cherry fragrances do not contain almond.

Cherry and almond are in the same botanic family, Prunus

The genus Prunus is divided into six subgenera: Amygdalus (almonds and peaches); Prunus (plums and apricots); Cerasus (cherries); Lithocerasus (one of the representatives is Prunus pumila—sand cherry); Padus (Prunus padus—bird cherry); and Laurocerasus.

Because cherry and almond are in the same family, all cherry will smell of almond. This is due to the benzaldehyde flavour compound found in both almonds and cherries.

However, it is possible to find cherry fragrances without almond. For example, Malizia Bon Bons Cherry Up Mirato is described as "cherry and nothing but cherry". Dark Cherry & Amber by Banana Republic is another cherry fragrance without almond.

Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which have a cherry smell

Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which have a natural cherry smell. This is because almonds are closely related to other stone fruits like cherries and peaches, and so share some of the same flavonoid compounds. The benzaldehyde flavour compound in almonds is also found in cherries.

Almond and cherry are both members of the same botanic family, Prunus. Almond is Prunus dulcis and cherries come from several different Prunus species.

The pure almond extract is benzaldehyde that is extracted from bitter almonds only, while natural almond extract contains our "B" friend produced from cassia bark (also known as cinnamon tree). Finally, the imitation extract is made with chemically synthesized benzaldehyde.

The commonest form of bitter-almond flavour is a bottled extract, which contains the aromatic benzaldehyde without its cyanide friend.

Benzaldehyde flavour compound is found in both almonds and cherries

Cherry and almond fragrances are both members of the same botanic family, Prunus. Almond is Prunus dulcis and cherries come from several different Prunus species.

The benzaldehyde flavour compound is found in both almonds and cherries. Benzaldehyde is used as an artificial essential oil of almond and is typically contained in cherry flavours. It is also used to provide the characteristic cherry/almond smell of some lozenges, shampoos, and even soap.

Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which naturally have a familiar cherry smell. Sweet almonds are the ones we eat.

Maraschino cherries, often called 'cocktail cherries', are cherries which have been dyed red, impregnated with sugar, and packed in a sugar syrup that is flavoured with oil of bitter almonds, or a similar flavour. The oil has been processed (heated) to remove the HCN, leaving only the benzaldehyde – which is why these cherries smell of almonds.

Sweet almonds are the ones we eat

It is unlikely that cherry almond fragrance contains real almonds. Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which have a natural cherry smell. Sweet almonds are the ones we eat. They are often flavoured with dark chocolate, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. They can be candied, roasted, or oven-roasted.

Almond extract smells like cherry cough syrup

Almond extract is derived from bitter almonds, which have a natural cherry smell. Sweet almonds are the ones we eat. Almonds are closely related to other stone fruits like cherries and peaches, and so share some of the same flavonoid compounds.

The benzaldehyde flavour compound in almonds is also found in cherries. This is why almond extract smells like cherry cough syrup.

It is difficult to find an almond extract that smells like real almonds. You can check Lorann Oils to see if they carry a non-bitter almond flavour, but you may not have much luck. Depending on what you are making, you can always substitute it for real almond instead, such as almond flour, slivered almonds, or toasted almonds.

If you are looking for a cherry fragrance without almond, you could try Malizia Bon Bons Cherry Up Mirato, Seductive Red Guess, or Dark Cherry & Amber Banana Republic.

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