Have you ever wondered where almonds come from or how they’re grown? It might seem obvious that they grow on trees, but did you know that almond trees are actually grafted onto sturdy peach tree root stock to avoid toppling? It’s true. The almond tree is difficult to grow and has a very weak root system – without the support of the peach tree it runs the risk of falling over when fully loaded with a ripening crop.

The growing process

The almond growing process is a fascinating one. It all begins with the bloom in late February in California’s Central Valley. Soft, pale pink flowers decorate acres of valley floor and almond growers depend on the right weather conditions throughout the spring and summer to ensure a successful harvest in the fall.

From bloom onward, orchards need to be frost-free, have mild temperatures (12 to 15 degrees Celsius) and minimal rain so blossoms can flourish and bees can pollinate them.

After the petals drop and the trees have leafed out, the first signs of fuzzy gray-green ‘fruit’ appear as the result of successful pollination. The fruit’s hull continues to harden and mature, and in July, begins to split open.

Between late July and late October, the split widens, exposing the almond’s shell. This exposure allows the kernel, or nut, inside to dry. The whole nut and stem finally separate and, shortly before harvest in September, the hull opens completely.

The harvest

The harvest process can be described as a shakedown. Mechanical tree ’shakers’ shake the nuts to the ground, where they are allowed to dry before they are swept into rows and picked up by machine.

Finally, the nuts are transported to be shelled where processors take over, transforming the raw nuts into those roasted, slivered, sliced, blanched, ground and flavoured goodies we find at the supermarket.

Stored in an airtight container or in the freezer or refrigerator, whole natural almonds have a shelf life of up to two years. Processed forms of almonds can be stored for one year in these conditions.

For more information about the almond harvest visit, www.AlmondsAreIn.com.

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