Chinese almonds

 In Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine, "Chinese almonds" often refer to apricot kernels, specifically the seeds of the apricot fruit. There are two types:

1. **Sweet Almonds (Tianxingren)**: These are usually used in culinary applications, like desserts and drinks. They have a mild flavor and are often found in traditional Chinese sweets.

2. **Bitter Almonds (Kuxingren)**: These are more commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine due to their potential medicinal properties. However, bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide, so they should be consumed in small quantities and with caution.

In dishes, Chinese almonds are used for their subtle flavor and are believed to have health benefits, such as moisturizing the lungs and relieving cough. They’re popular in soups, porridges, and desserts, especially in traditional almond tea and almond tofu.