Almond tree

We've all heard that almonds are very healthy to eat.  Have you ever seen them grow?  I hadn't until now.  When I moved into this house in February, I noticed this small tree in my neighbors yard.  When it bloomed, it was very pretty.  I asked my neighbor what kind of tree she had.  She didn't know.  She said it developes fruit, but they never get ripe.  Little did she know.

The tree began setting fruit that were fuzzy and looked a bit like apricots, but remained green.  Now, the green fruit has split and they are beginning to fall to the ground.  Inside each of them is an almond.  We have begun picking them up off the ground and removing the husks.

I have collected some in a box in the last couple of days.  My neighbor told me to take them.  She has lived there for 10 years and didn't know what they were.  There are plenty for both of us.

I searched the Internet for information.  They said to remove the husks and lay them in the sun to dry for a few days until they rattle when you shake the shell.  For now, I'm putting them on my patio table until monsoon season ends in the desert.