What is bitter almond oil?

Bitter almond oil is the name for the oil derived from bitter almonds (from the tree Prunus dulcis). This oil is used in cuisine, cosmetics and medicinally.

Features

Bitter almond oil is light yellow and has little scent. When bitter almonds are expressed, they produce 50-percent nonvolatile oil.

Chemical Composition

Bitter almonds contain amaygdalin, a glycoside. When hydrolyzed (contacts water), this chemical becomes benzaldehyde, glucose and hydrocyanic (or prussic) acid, also known as cyanide. The cyanide is removed and the oil is then usable.

Function

As a food flavoring, bitter almond oil is used for such things as marzipan and liqueurs. In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it is used as an emollient. Alternative medicine also uses bitter almond oil.

Misconceptions

A product contains real bitter almond oil when it contains "pure almond extract." "Imitation extract" means the product contains synthetic benzaldehyde, and "natural extract" may actually contain benzaldehyde from cassia bark.

Considerations

It is illegal to sell bitter almond oil in the United States, though it is still legal in Europe. Human consumption of 1 1/2 teaspoons of bitter almond oil has resulted in death.

References

• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Chow
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Resources

• Drugs.com
• Esoteric Oils: Bitter almond essential oil information
• The Good Scents Company