Enjoy the process of cultivating almonds at home, and relish them paired with pecorino cheese and a dry white wine for a satisfying feeling of self-accomplishment.
In the heart of the British countryside, it's possible to cultivate a taste of the Mediterranean - green almonds. These delightful fruits, reminiscent of the best fresh peas with a hint of almond, can be grown in the UK, despite California being a more suitable climate for them.
Growing almonds requires careful attention to the tree's needs. A well-drained, moisture-retentive soil of reasonably neutral pH, avoidance of frost pockets, good shelter from strong winds, and a sunny site are essential for almond growth. Choosing late-flowering varieties like 'Mandaline' and 'Ferragnes', developed by Faure and Souchet, is crucial for growing almonds in the UK.
Almond trees are self-fertile, but each tree will produce a larger harvest if two or more varieties are grown together. Spacing between almond trees varies depending on soil, variety, and rootstock. A hive or two of bees can help with pollination, but if keeping bees is not possible, a soft paintbrush can be used to transfer pollen between flowers.
Leaf curl can be a nuisance for almond trees, but some varieties have good resistance and covering the tree from spring rains can help prevent the disease. It's important to note that peach hybrids like 'Ingrid' and 'Robijn' can also be grown and produce almond-like fruits, but should not be grown near peach trees due to potential cross-pollination.
Harvesting green almonds should ideally be done when the stalk between tree and almond starts to break down. Green almonds can be picked before the shell forms, and their ideal time depends on variety. They can be eaten whole if picked early or split and removed the developing shell to reveal a broad bean-like structure.
Green almonds are a delicacy, especially in France. They can be enjoyed with pecorino and a cold glass of dryish white wine. The flavor of home-grown almonds is hard to beat. Despite the challenges, growing your own almonds allows you to harvest green almonds, a taste that is truly a treasure.
However, it's worth mentioning that almonds are marginal and may not yield a guaranteed harvest every year. A UK summer is long enough to ripen almonds, but the pinch point is in spring due to susceptibility to late frosts. Almonds are hardy down to about -15°C, offering some resilience against the British weather.
In conclusion, growing green almonds in the UK is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. With careful planning, the right conditions, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the unique flavour of home-grown green almonds.
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