To prepare the granitée, mix the sugar, 1 cup of the juice in a saucepan over medium heat and heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the juice, and allow to cool. Pour the juice into a flat, covered container and freeze. Once it is solid, break it with a fork so that it becomes flaky.

For the salad, segment the oranges, and toss with the microherbs and almonds. Serve chilled with granitée scattered around the plate.

Almonds are thought to originate in Western Asia, though they achieved early cultural status in regions around the world. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, for example, almonds are thought to strengthen memory; in Roman times, almonds would be showered over newly married couples as a fertility blessing. Almonds also appear in the Bible's Book of Numbers, when Aaron, upon receiving divine approval, watches his rod blossom with almonds. Almonds may have derived their historical import at least in part from their nutritional value: they are higher in vitamin C than any other nut, and their high levels of protein figure critically in some vegetarian diets. There are many varieties of almond trees, though they are generally classified as either sweet or bitter; only nuts from sweet almond trees are sold for consumption. Because the trees bloom so early in the year, their name in Hebrew is shakad or "hasty awakening."