Almonds

Sweet almond kernels. Scientific identity: Prunus amygdalus Batsch; Prunus dulcis is a widely used synonym in food databases. Edible part: Kernel; shell and hull are excluded. Exact source form: Plain almonds corresponding to the retained USDA FoodData Central record.

A crisp, mild kernel that shifts from creamy to deeply toasted depending on preparation.

Common name

Almonds

Scientific name

Prunus amygdalus

Family

Rosaceae

Edition

Core Edibles

Flavor

Mild · sweet · nutty

Texture

Crisp · dense

Season

Year-round pantry

Best storage

Cool · airtight

Great for

Snack · butter · baking

Know this

Major tree-nut allergen

A seed can grow a tree, but it will not copy the parent and may produce poor or bitter kernels. Predictable edible almonds come from a named sweet variety grafted to rootstock.

START WITH

A viable raw sweet-almond seed intended for planting—not a roasted snack almond

CLIMATE

Long, hot, dry summers and enough winter chill; commonly zones 7–9. Late spring frost and humid harvest weather can ruin a crop.

LIGHT

8+ hours of direct sun

SOIL

Deep, fast-draining soil; avoid low wet ground

1. 1

   Start it

   Soak the intact seed overnight. Place it in barely moist medium in the refrigerator for 6–8 weeks. When the shell splits or a root appears, plant 1–2 inches deep with the root pointing down.

2. 2

   Give it room

   Grow in a deep pot until roots hold the soil together, then plant 15–20 feet from buildings and other full-size trees.

3. 3

   Water correctly

   Water deeply when the upper soil dries during establishment. Never keep roots continuously wet.

4. 4

   Care for it

   Train one main trunk and protect it from animals. A second compatible almond or peach flowering nearby may be needed for pollination.

5. 5

   Harvest

   Wait for hulls to split and dry. Remove hulls and dry nuts fully. Never eat strongly bitter kernels or kernels from an unidentified seedling.

A seedling may take about 5–8 years to bear, with no guarantee of an edible-quality crop.

Wait for hulls to split and dry. Remove hulls and dry nuts fully. Never eat strongly bitter kernels or kernels from an unidentified seedling.