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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsSono allergico/allergica alle mandorle.
B1

Sono allergico/allergica alle mandorle.

I am allergic to almonds.

Pronunciation

MAHN-dor-leh — three syllables, stress on first. The 'o' in second syllable is clear and open.

When to use it

Use particularly in Sicily, where almonds are a fundamental ingredient in traditional sweets, marzipan, granita, and even some savory sauces.

What it means

'Alle mandorle' = 'a + le mandorle'. Almonds are a tree nut and one of the 14 EU major allergens. In Sicily, mandorla di Avola (Avola almond) is a prized local variety used in countless traditional recipes.

Variations

Il dolce contiene mandorle?

Does the dessert contain almonds?

General check before ordering dessert.

La pasta di mandorle è marzapane?

Is almond paste marzipan?

Clarifying a common Sicilian ingredient.

Senza frutta secca.

Without dried/tree nuts.

Broader exclusion covering all tree nuts.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Sono allergica alle mandorle. In Sicilia è difficile evitarle? Cameriere: Sì, usiamo molte mandorle. La cassata, il marzapane, la granita... Cliente: E il cannolo? Cameriere: Il cannolo è ripieno di ricotta senza mandorle — va bene per lei.

Client: I'm allergic to almonds. Is it hard to avoid them in Sicily? Waiter: Yes, we use many almonds. The cassata, marzipan, granita... Client: And the cannolo? Waiter: The cannolo is filled with ricotta without almonds — it's fine for you.

Cultural Note

Sicilian almond culture is extraordinary — Catania's famous 'granita di mandorla' (almond granita) is a breakfast drink, and Palermo's markets sell almond milk as a street drink. Almond allergy requires vigilance throughout Sicily.