The domesticated almond tree appeared in the Bronze Age around 3000 BC, some other archaeological studies also discovered almonds in the ancient tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt. Therefore, it is called the earliest domesticated fruit tree in the world.
Vietnamese Almonds found their way to Asia through the Silk Road and maritime trade routes. They were embraced by different Asian cultures, including Persia, India, and China, where they became an integral part of traditional cuisines and medicinal practices.
Key features and characteristics of the Vietnamese almond tree.
Size and Appearance: Almond trees are medium-sized deciduous trees that can grow between 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) in height. They have a spreading canopy with a rounded or vase-shaped form. The branches are often covered with lanceolate leaves that are green in color.
One of the most captivating features of almond trees is their beautiful flowers. They bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge, creating a stunning display of white or pale pink blossoms. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also emit a delightful fragrance, attracting pollinators like bees.
Almond trees produce drupe fruits, which consist of a hard outer hull, a woody shell, and an edible seed or kernel inside. The hull of the fruit splits open when the almond is ripe, exposing the shell and the kernel. The almond kernel is the part that is consumed and prized for its taste and nutritional value.
There are several cultivated varieties of almond trees, each with its unique characteristics, such as flavor, size, and shell hardness. These varieties are selected and bred for specific traits to meet different market demands and preferences.
Almond trees thrive in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. They require well-drained soil and prefer full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. Almond trees are known for their tolerance to drought conditions.
Weather condition.
The plant grows best in a temperate Mediterranean climate: summers are warm, dry but not dry, and winters are humid, mild but not too cold. The most suitable temperature to ensure good tree growth is around 15 - 30 degrees Celsius. Also because of this climate feature, almond trees are planted in many continents later, including Vietnam.
Harvesting Almond Trees in Autumn.
Autumn is a crucial season for the almond industry as it marks the time for harvesting the bountiful crop of almond trees (Prunus dulcis). The months of September and October are typically when almond orchards come alive with activity, as farmers and workers prepare to gather the mature nuts from the trees.
Almonds are typically harvested in the autumn months when the nuts reach their optimal maturity. This is determined by monitoring the hull split, which is the natural opening of the outer hull that protects the almond shell. Once the hull split is observed, it indicates that the almonds are ready to be harvested.
The autumn harvest of almond trees is an exciting time for almond growers and enthusiasts. It represents the culmination of months of hard work and dedication in nurturing the trees and ensuring a successful crop. With its distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits, the harvested almonds find their way into various culinary delights, from snacks and desserts to savory dishes and beverages, bringing joy to people around the world.
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