Almond Harvesting in Iran: Timing and Factors Affecting Quality

The almond harvesting process in Iran isn't just a matter of general knowledge; it's the key to identifying high-quality almonds from ordinary ones. At "Walmond," we embrace this science every day to ensure the freshest and highest-quality almonds reach you, from the early spring green almonds (choghaleh) to the dry, crispy almonds of autumn. Each type has its own precise harvest schedule.

Are you ready for a journey into the almond orchards and to become an expert in this delicate timing?

Almond Harvesting Timeline: A Quick Overview

Almond Product Type	Harvest Period (Approximate)	Reason for Harvesting at This Time
Green Almonds (Choghaleh)	Mid-April to late May	Consumed as a fresh, unripe fruit (juicy and soft)
Dry Almonds (With Shell)	Late August to early October	Complete nut ripening and drying of the green outer shell
Best Time for Fresh Almonds	Mid-September to late autumn	Peak of fresh dry almonds from all over Iran

Exact Harvest Time for Almonds in Iran

One of the most common and crucial questions asked by almond enthusiasts is about the exact harvest time. The timing can vary based on the almond variety (early-blooming or late-blooming), the geographic region (cold or warm climates), and the climatic conditions of the year. However, the main harvest period for most regions is from late August to early October. This is when almonds are fully matured, and the outer green shell (called "shuck") starts to crack open, signaling that the almond inside has reached its peak size, taste, and ripeness.

Why Are Green Almonds Harvested Earlier?

Green almonds, also known as "choghaleh," are simply unripe almonds. They are picked earlier in the spring (mid-April to late May) because of their tender, juicy, and slightly milky interior. If left on the tree longer, the outer shell would harden, and the almond would begin to mature into the dry, ripe nut we commonly consume later in the year. This early harvesting allows people to enjoy almonds in a completely different stage of growth, offering a refreshing, seasonal experience.

Why the Harvest Time Differs Across Iran?

Iran's vast size and diverse climates mean that almond harvests vary by region. The harvest timing is influenced by factors like climate, tree variety, and yearly weather conditions. For instance:

• Warm Regions: In provinces like Fars, Bushehr, and Khuzestan, spring comes earlier. Trees bloom earlier, and thus, the almonds ripen sooner, often beginning in mid-August.

• Cold Regions: In colder, mountainous areas like Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, East and West Azerbaijan, and parts of Khorasan, spring is delayed, and trees bloom later to avoid late spring frosts. Harvesting in these areas often stretches into late September or even early October.

The Role of Almond Varieties (Early Blooming, Medium Blooming, and Late Blooming)

The variety of almond tree plays a crucial role in determining harvest timing:

• Early Blooming Varieties: These bloom in early spring and are ideal for warmer climates. However, late spring frosts can damage the flowers, so they are not suitable for colder regions.

• Late Blooming Varieties: These varieties bloom later (2 to 3 weeks after early bloomers) and are better suited for cold climates. Varieties like "Azar" and "Shahrood 12" are late bloomers and require more time for the almonds to fully ripen.

Thus, late-blooming almonds generally take longer to mature and are harvested later in the season.

Impact of Almond Types on Harvest Timing (Mamra, Paper Shell, and Hard Shell)

• Mamra Almonds: This highly prized variety is typically a late-blooming type, making them one of the last to be harvested. They are most commonly grown in cold regions like Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

• Paper Shell Almonds: "Paper Shell" refers to the physical trait of having a thin, soft shell. These almonds may be early or late-blooming, depending on the variety, so harvest times vary.

• Hard Shell Almonds: This term refers to almonds with a tougher shell. They can belong to both early and late-blooming varieties.

Almond Harvesting by Province

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (Mamra and Hard Shell)

• Harvest Time: Late September to mid-October

• Walmond Analysis: This province is the heart of Iran's Mamra almonds, with a cold climate and the use of late-blooming varieties. As a result, their harvest occurs later than most, ensuring that the almonds fully ripen.

Fars Province (Focus on Paper Shell Almonds)

• Harvest Time: Mid-August to mid-September

• Walmond Analysis: Fars, with its varied climate, is one of Iran’s major almond producers, especially for paper-shell varieties. In warmer regions, almond harvests start earlier, making them some of the first fresh almonds to hit the market.

East and West Azerbaijan

• Harvest Time: Mid-September to early October

• Walmond Analysis: Known for cold mountainous climates, these provinces use late-blooming varieties, leading to harvests similar to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, reaching their peak in late September.

Khorasan Razavi and Khorasan Northern

• Harvest Time: Early to late September

• Walmond Analysis: These provinces, with moderate to cold climates, see harvest times that fall between the early and late harvest regions, offering almonds just after the first wave from warmer regions.

Hamedan and Central Regions

• Harvest Time: Early to late September

• Walmond Analysis: These areas, with a mild to semi-dry climate, harvest almonds in mid-season, typically in September.

Key Signs of Almond Maturity (How to Know When It’s Time to Harvest)

An experienced grower will look for these key indicators:

1. Hull Split: The green outer shell begins to crack open. This is the most obvious sign that the almonds are ready to harvest.

2. Color Change: The green shell turns yellow, then brown. This indicates that the almond is entering the final stage of ripening.

3. Dryness of the Almond Nut: The nut inside should feel dry, not milky or soft. When cracked open, the almond should produce a crisp sound.

When all three signs appear together, it's time for the harvest.

Traditional vs. Modern Almond Harvesting Methods in Iran

• Traditional Method (Shaking with Long Sticks): In small, family-run orchards or in mountainous areas where machines can’t access, workers use long sticks to gently shake the branches, causing the almonds to fall. This is followed by collecting the almonds from cloth sheets or nets spread beneath the trees.

• Modern Method (Mechanical Shakers): In large, commercial orchards, mechanical shakers are used. These machines vibrate the trunk of the tree, causing the almonds to fall onto the ground, where they are quickly collected by machines.

Common Mistakes in Almond Harvesting

• Harvesting Too Early: Picking almonds before they are fully ripe leads to underdeveloped, less flavorful nuts. Overly moist nuts also have a high risk of mold.

• Delaying Too Long: Waiting too long can expose the almonds to rain, pests, and soil contamination, compromising the quality and increasing the risk of decay.

FAQs about Almond Harvesting

1. Does wild almond (Alok) have a different harvest season than cultivated almonds?

   • Yes, wild almonds are harvested in the spring, similar to green almonds, and are used in specific regional dishes. They are picked unripe for processing, unlike cultivated almonds which are harvested when fully mature.

2. How does harvest time affect almond prices?

   • The price of fresh almonds is highest at the start of the harvest season due to limited supply. Prices drop as the season peaks and supply increases, stabilizing by late fall.

3. When is the best time to buy fresh almonds?

   • The best time to buy fresh almonds is from mid-September to late autumn, when the supply is at its peak, and prices are more stable.

Conclusion

Now you’re an expert on the golden almond calendar in Iran! You understand how climate, almond variety, and timing all influence the harvest process. The best almonds are the result of perfect timing and the experience of skilled growers. At Walmond, we specialize in making sure that only the freshest and highest-quality almonds reach your doorstep.

Be sure to check out Walmond's collection of premium almonds, handpicked with care and precision!