The almond (Prunus amygdalus, syn. Prunus dulcis) is a species of tree from the genus Prunus. The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed, which is not a true nut. Almonds are used in many cuisines, often featuring prominently in desserts, such as marzipan.Almonds are included as a good source of protein among recommended healthy foods by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Regular consumption of almonds may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood levels of LDL cholesterol.

Bitter almonds contain 42 times higher amounts of cyanide than the trace levels found in sweet almonds. Extract of bitter almond was once used medicinally but even in small doses, effects are severe or lethal, especially in children; the cyanide must be removed before consumption.The acute oral lethal dose of cyanide for adult humans is reported to be 0.5–3.5 mg/kg (0.2–1.6 mg/lb) of body weight (approximately 50 bitter almonds), so that for children consuming 5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal. Symptoms of eating such almonds include vertigo and other typical cyanide poisoning effects. Almonds may cause allergy or intolerance.