3. Here’re the Facts
• 450,000 Acres in San Joaquin Valley
• Largest tree nut crop in total $ value
• CA grows 80% of the world’s crop
• 7th largest U.S. food export
• 6,000 growers
• 90 nations import CA almonds
• Super healthy
• Portable protein to emerging markets
4. Almond History
• Prehistory
• Wild almonds emerge on mountains separating China from
Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran
• 4,000 B.C.
• Almonds cultivated in Central Asia and eastern Mediterranean
• 1,352 B.C.
• King Tut takes handful of almonds to his grave
• 350 B.C.
• Alexander the Great’s armies bring almonds to Greece
6. Almond History
• 1700’s
• Brought to California from Spain by Franciscans
• 1840’s
• California growers experiment with almonds
• 1880’s
• California almond crop tops one million Lbs.
• 1986
• “A Can A Week Is All We Ask” ad begins
• 2002
• California almond crop tops one billion Lbs.
• 2014 +
• California crop expected to top two billion Lbs.
23. Water Management
• Central Valley is a Mediterranean Climate
• Cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers
• Limited Water Supplies
• Drought conditions
• Regulatory issues
• Use roughly 3.5 – 4.0 Acre Feet / Acre
• Drip irrigation is method of choice
• Soil amendments, fertilizers through drip
The almond is one of the most versatile nuts in the world. We eat many varieties in many diverse forms. Almonds are delicious alone as a nutritious snack, and they are a prime ingredient in home kitchens and in food manufacturing. Almonds enhance virtually every food they grace with their distinctive taste and satisfying crunch.California is the only place in North America where almonds are grown commercially. In the past 30 years, California's almond yield has quadrupled. More than 450,000 acres in the lush San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys are under almond cultivation, stretching 400 miles between Bakersfield and Red Bluff, California.Almonds are California's largest tree nut crop in total dollar value and acreage. They rank as the seventh largest U.S. food export. Approximately 6,000 almond growers produce 100 percent of the commercial domestic supply and more than 70 percent of worldwide production. Over 90 nations import California almonds. Overseas, Germany is the largest market for almonds, consuming about 25 percent of the export crop, followed by Japan at about 12 percent. Other major importers include the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, India and Spain. The Pacific Rim nations are a rapidly growing market for California almonds.
Prehistory Wild almonds emerge and develop on western slopes of mountains separating China from Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran.4,000 B.C. People begin cultivating almonds in Central Asia and eastern Mediterranean area.1,352 B. C. King Tutankhamen takes handful of almonds to his grave to nourish him on his journey into the afterlife.350 B.C. Alexander the Great's armies bring almonds home to Greece to begin widespread almond culture in western Mediterranean area.1700’sAlmonds brought to California by Franciscan missionariesMentioned in the Bible 10 times, beginning with the Book of Genesis where it is called the “best of fruits.”
Prehistory Wild almonds emerge and develop on western slopes of mountains separating China from Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran.4,000 B.C. People begin cultivating almonds in Central Asia and eastern Mediterranean area.1,352 B. C. King Tutankhamen takes handful of almonds to his grave to nourish him on his journey into the afterlife.350 B.C. Alexander the Great's armies bring almonds home to Greece to begin widespread almond culture in western Mediterranean area.1840sCalifornia growers experiment with almond culture; following failed attempts in eastern U.S. Almonds prove well adapted to California climate.1880s California almond crops in excess of one million pounds test marketing ability of numerous growers negotiating with only a few buyers.1986Blue Diamond Growers’ A Can A Week is All We Ask advertisement begins2002One Billion Lb. cropThe almond is botanically a stone fruit related to the cherry, the plum, and the peach. Almonds are mentioned as far back in history as the Bible. They were a prized ingredient in breads served to Egypt's pharos. Their exact ancestry in unknown, but almonds are thought to have originated in China and Central Asia.Explorers ate almonds while traveling the "Silk Road" between Asia and the Mediterranean. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean, especially in Spain and Italy. The almond tree was brought to California from Spain in the mid-1700's by the Franciscan Padres. The moist, cool weather of the coastal missions, however, did not provide optimum growing conditions. It wasn't until the following century that trees were successfully planted inland. By the 1870's, research and cross-breeding had developed several of today's prominent almond varieties. By the turn of the 20th century, the almond industry was firmly established in the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas of California's great Central Valley. Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. The Bible's "Book of Numbers" tells the story of Aaron's rod that blossomed and bore almonds, giving the almond the symbolism of divine approval. The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm. Today, Americans give guests at weddings a bag of sugared almonds, representing children, happiness, romance, good health and fortune. In Sweden, cinnamon-flavored rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is a Christmas custom. Find it, and good fortune is yours for a year.The earliest varieties of almonds were found in China carried by traders down the ancient silk road to Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Pacific Coast Ranges is California's fertile Central Valley, home to one of the oldest and most beautiful flowering fruit trees. Unlike other flowering fruit trees that bear edible fruit, this tree's "pearl" is the delicious nut found inside the fruit, the almond.
Dormancy Almond trees need a period of dormancy, when cold weather allows them to store nutrients and prepare for next season’s production cycle. That’s why from November through early February, while buds are already present, the trees use the cold weather to rest and build up resources for the next year's crop.Bloom The period between late February and early March is a critical time of year for the almond industry. The buds on the trees burst into bloom in preparation for pollination. This phase of the lifecycle can influence the size of the crop that will ultimately be harvested.The warm days during this stage stimulate the trees to bloom, transforming California’s Central Valley into a beautiful landscape of light pink and white blossoms.Several factors influence the timing of bloom, including weather and almond variety. The Nonpareil variety is one of the first to bloom. Other key varieties, such as Carmel and Mission bloom later.Pollination Because the almond tree is not self-pollinating, bees are brought to the orchard to carry pollen between alternating rows of almond varieties. This occurs during a small window of opportunity in the bloom phase, when the weather is warm enough for the bees to fly. Bees need warm, sunny, and calm conditions for optimal pollination. Stormy, cold weather during the bloom stage can limit bee flight and reduce the size of the crop.If bees do not pollinate the blossoms, almonds will not develop.For optimal cross-pollination and crop development, an orchard must have more than one variety of almond tree. Most orchards have three.Maturing Nuts From March to June, California Almonds continue to mature with the shell hardening and kernel forming. Some green almonds are harvested at this point for various culinary uses. For more information on green almonds click here.Almonds develop within a shell that is surrounded by a hull, similar to the fleshy part of a peach. The almond hull protects the nuts from a variety of environmental conditions.Hull Split In July and early August, the hull begins to split open exposing the almond shell and allowing it to dry.As the season progresses, the split continues to widen and the hull becomes tough and leathery, although still adhering to the shell. The nuts continue to dry and shortly before harvest, the hulls open completely.Harvest Preparation Harvest occurs mid-August through October. There are many steps almond growers must consider prior to harvest, such as preparing the orchard for harvest by leveling and clearing any debris from the orchard floor. This provides a smooth clear surface when the nuts are shaken from the trees. Each variety matures at a different time so harvesting is done in stages to keep varieties separate and distinct.Different varieties will have different characteristics that impact the actual size of the kernel. Another factor is how many almonds the trees are actually producing. Generally, the more nuts per tree, the smaller the kernel size.There are over 30 types of almonds, but 10 varieties comprise the majority of almonds produced in California. Three varieties account for over two-thirds of production. Nonpareil is the largest single variety.Harvest Time Mechanical tree "shakers" vigorously shake the almonds to the ground. This machine grabs the trunk of the tree and knocks all the nuts to the ground. The almonds, which are still inside their shell and hull, dry naturally for 8–10 days in the orchard before they are swept into rows and picked up by machine. This drying period is critical for the almonds.Transportation After being gathered from the orchard, almonds are transported to the huller/sheller where kernels pass over a roller to remove the hull and shell as well as any remaining foreign material or debris. Then the almonds are stored in bulk until processing occurs.The hulls are used to feed dairy cattle while the shells are used as bedding for livestock.Processing Almonds are delivered to the handler for sizing. The kernels pass over a series of screens that have varying size holes. Kernels may also be sorted electronically through a laser light system.The kernels drop into separate bins according to size.After sizing, almonds are graded to meet customer specifications.Storage After almonds are sized, they are kept in controlled storage conditions to maintain quality. Almonds have natural antioxidants that promote a long storage life if properly handled. Almonds are stored until they're shipped or further processed in a variety of ways that are valuable for culinary use.ManufacturingAlmonds are manufactured for either commercial or industrial use, or rebagged, salted, and roasted.Distribution Once manufactured, almonds are sold to one of the following distributors:Grocery (bulk): consumer packaged goods that are sold in-store Foodservice: ingredient in restaurant menu itemsThe US is the largest market for almonds, with about 30% of the crop sold for domestic use. About 52% of all almonds produced go into retail products, 20% go to foodservice applications, and the remaining 28% is used for bulk sales and snacking. 70% of the almond crop is shipped internationally with Spain, Germany, Japan and India being the leading export markets.
Critical success factors to achieving top yields: water management, pollination, plant nutrition, pest management, harvest timing, dormant management.
Nonpareil Classification – This is the Nonpareil variety, which has the widest range of uses of all the marketing categories -- from use as whole natural kernels to manufactured products. The attractive kernels are a medium shape and size, uniform, fairly flat and light (blond) colored. Nonpareil is often used where the nut is visible and also in manufactured products because the kernels are readily blanched and/or mechanically cut to produce a variety of forms. Furthermore, the thin shell allows maximum yield of undamaged kernels after cracking. Nonpareil is the major producing variety of the California almond industry. Because Nonpareil receives a premium price, it is most critical that this variety not be delivered mixed with any other varieties. California Classification - This marketing classification was established in June 1972 by the USDA, Federal-State Inspection Service, Sacramento, at the request of the almond industry. In addition to the varieties displayed on Page 1, the variety Nonpareil may be included in the "California" classification but not to exceed 25 percent by weight of the lot. All varieties in the "California" classification shall be blanchable. Further, with the exception of the variety Nonpareil, other varieties included in the "California" classification shall not be permitted in the Nonpareil classification. This group has become the marketing outlet for kernels of many almond varieties with a wide range of shapes and sizes. Despite this diversity, the almonds in this classification must be blanchable. More notable among the varieties classified as California are varieties like Carmel, which is a relatively long, narrow, large, light colored kernel. Some processors are offering Carmel as a separate item and this action is based on sufficient volume received, handling and processing facilities which can accommodate such a separation, and marketing opportunities. Also as mentioned above, caution must be exercised by growers not to deliver mixed varieties -- even when they are in the same market classification like California. Mission Classification - Mission type kernels are small, wide and often thick (plump) and their pellicles (skins) are brown. Blanching is not a criteria, and in fact, this group is often used as whole brown-skin forms. Neplus Classification - Most NePlus is used for manufactured products. The NePlus kernel is long, narrow and large and has a brown colored pellicle. Inshell-hardshell Classification - Peerless is the principal variety sold to consumers as an inshell- hardshell product. These inshell varieties are characterized by an attractive closed shell with a firm outer “cork”, which both protects the kernel against worm damage and other contamination. The inshell-hardshell market is firmly established but has a relatively limited volume in relation to other marketing outlets.
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The blossoms of all California Almond varieties are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination with other varieties to produce a crop. The single most important factor determining a good yield is pollination during the bloom period. More than a million colonies of honey bees are placed in California Almond orchards at the beginning of the bloom period to pollinate the crop. California beekeepers alone cannot supply this critical need, which is why honey bees travel across the country to the San Joaquin Valley each year.
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
One of the continuing challenges to almond production is the availability of water to optimize tree health and crop production. California's Central Valley mirrors that of a Mediterranean climate—cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers—which are ideal for almond growth, just as long as the almond trees have access to water. Limited water supplies—with or without drought—are in the state’s future. The Almond Board of California has invested heavily in the area of irrigation strategies that conserve water and optimize production and tree health, as well as in ways to protect ground and surface water quality from potential runoff of grower inputs.Water quality can also be a food safety concern. Water can be a source or spread existing bacteria, which can contribute to food safety issues for almonds.
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
The California Almond HarvestGood harvesting techniques and post-harvest handling are keys to achieving maximum yield of high-quality California Almonds, which determines marketability and profit.Almonds should be harvested as soon as possible after they have matured to avoid quality loss and to minimize exposure to navel orangeworm and subsequent contamination with aflatoxin.A successful harvest begins with a clean, dry orchard floor. Harvest should begin as soon as the crop is mature to avoid exposure to a third flight of navel orangeworm. After the crop is shaken to the ground, the nuts are raked into windrows and allowed to dry, ideally to a hull moisture content that does not exceed 12%, or a kernel moisture content that does not exceed 6%, which can take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. A harvest sample taken after shaking and before the crop is windrowed will provide a progress report of that season’s IPM program, and will indicate what pests are in the orchard to help determine the management activities for the next year.Pickup machines sweep the windrows into carts or trailers for transportation to the huller/sheller. With the large crops of recent years, it has become more and more common for almonds to be stockpiled, either in the orchard or at the huller/shellers. To avoid insect damage, stockpiles should be monitored and fumigated as necessary. Stockpiled almonds are also susceptible to growth of the fungi that cause the contaminant aflatoxin, and should be monitored for moisture and temperature and managed to prevent moisture buildup.Hulled and shelled nuts are then transported to processing facilities, where they are stored pending further processing. Periodic fumigation may be necessary to control insects in stored almonds, depending on the duration of storage and storage conditions.
The California Almond HarvestGood harvesting techniques and post-harvest handling are keys to achieving maximum yield of high-quality California Almonds, which determines marketability and profit.Almonds should be harvested as soon as possible after they have matured to avoid quality loss and to minimize exposure to navel orangeworm and subsequent contamination with aflatoxin.A successful harvest begins with a clean, dry orchard floor. Harvest should begin as soon as the crop is mature to avoid exposure to a third flight of navel orangeworm. After the crop is shaken to the ground, the nuts are raked into windrows and allowed to dry, ideally to a hull moisture content that does not exceed 12%, or a kernel moisture content that does not exceed 6%, which can take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. A harvest sample taken after shaking and before the crop is windrowed will provide a progress report of that season’s IPM program, and will indicate what pests are in the orchard to help determine the management activities for the next year.Pickup machines sweep the windrows into carts or trailers for transportation to the huller/sheller. With the large crops of recent years, it has become more and more common for almonds to be stockpiled, either in the orchard or at the huller/shellers. To avoid insect damage, stockpiles should be monitored and fumigated as necessary. Stockpiled almonds are also susceptible to growth of the fungi that cause the contaminant aflatoxin, and should be monitored for moisture and temperature and managed to prevent moisture buildup.Hulled and shelled nuts are then transported to processing facilities, where they are stored pending further processing. Periodic fumigation may be necessary to control insects in stored almonds, depending on the duration of storage and storage conditions.
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
