Seasonal Deliciousness: Green Almonds - Nature's Nutrient-Rich Bounty You Can't Afford to Overlook!
In the world of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, green almonds have long been cherished for their refreshing crunch and tangy flavour. This springtime treat is now gaining popularity in innovative kitchens across the globe, and India is no exception.
Green almonds can be a refreshing addition to green salads, fruit bowls, or even mixed into curd or raita to add texture and tanginess. They can also be eaten raw with a pinch of salt, providing a delightful springtime snack.
But where can you find these green gems? Let's explore their seasonal availability in India.
The Northern Delight
Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, the primary almond-producing areas in India, boast cool winters and dry summers, making them ideal for almond cultivation. Green almonds typically appear in spring, around March-April, during the blooming and early nut development period before the nuts mature fully.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, emerging almond-growing regions with slightly warmer climates, would also see green almond availability around the same spring period, though exact timing may vary slightly due to elevation and temperature differences.
Central Indian Exploration
Central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, as well as pockets in Punjab and Haryana, are experimenting with almond plantations. These hotter regions may have somewhat shifted or shortened seasons for green almonds due to higher temperatures and different climatic conditions, possibly making green almond availability more limited or earlier in the year if successful plantations reach commercial scale.
Seasonal Availability Across Regions
In general, green almonds are seasonal, appearing in spring to early summer before the kernels harden and mature for later harvest (typically in late summer to early autumn). Markets in northern India see green almonds mostly between March and June, after which mature dry almonds dominate.
While there is limited information on green almond market supply from other Indian regions beyond the northern belt, it appears that green almonds are mainly sourced locally from traditional almond-growing areas like Kashmir. The ongoing expansion into newer regions might influence the availability span slightly in the future but remains centered around spring's early growth period for now.
Storage and Preservation
To maintain freshness, green almonds should be stored in a perforated plastic or paper bag in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. Excess moisture can cause green almonds to spoil faster, so they should be patted dry if washed before refrigeration. Green almonds can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months, but freezing may alter their texture slightly.
A Culinary and Nutritional Gem
Green almonds offer a burst of flavour and nutrition each spring, with a crisp texture, mild tang, and impressive health benefits. They are being used in making tart chutneys and garnishing spring desserts in innovative kitchens. So, why not give them a try and experience the delight of this seasonal treat?
- In innovative kitchens worldwide, green almonds are being incorporated into nutritious dishes, such as green salads, fruit bowls, curd or raita, refreshing food-and-drink options that complement a healthy-diets lifestyle.
- When it comes to sourcing green almonds in India, the Northern Delight regions like Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are the principal suppliers, with seasonal availabilities usually during spring, around March-April.
- As more central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and pockets in Punjab and Haryana experiment with almond plantations, the season for green almonds may shift or shorten due to higher temperatures and different climate conditions, potentially making them a limited option earlier in the year.
