KERNEL PASTE is made from apricot kernels. Inside the pit of an apricot is a “kernel” that has a distinctive almond-like flavor. Benzaldehyde is the naturally-occurring flavor component that we all identify as “almond,” and apricot kernels contain a lot of it. The apricot pits are shelled to yield their kernels. American Almond blanches the kernels to remove their skins, grind them and then cook them with pure cane sugar to complete the process. The finished product has a slightly stronger bitter almond flavor.

MACAROON PASTE is simply a blend of almonds and apricot kernels prepared in precisely the same way as the other pastes. The flavor profile is between the two; a somewhat smooth almond flavor with just a hint of the bitter almond notes. It is widely used in many innovative and traditional bakery products. Our No-Sugar-Added Macaroon Paste retains all the flavor of the original but is formulated especially for use in sugar-free recipes.