The Almond Tree (Prunus dulcis)
The Almond trees cover the hills on the Murcia/Andalucia border and surround us here at Almond Tree Villa. Probably native of Syria and grown since 4-5th BC, Spain is the biggest producer of Almonds second only to California. In spring the almond blossom coats our hillsides in beautiful pink and white blossom.
 
Almond Trees are briefly dormant in winter; early spring, January and February, bring out the blossoms from their buds. As soon as the blossom drops, the grey /green fruit starts to form and they then harden and mature. Harvesting is normally in late August/September. The nuts we pick are roasted for eating or carefully prepared for Ajo Blanco soup by Martyn our chef. The nuts are high in protein, containing as they do the healthy monosaturated fat, as well as vitamin E. Almonds are used in many spanish products from food to cosmetics. Almonds are the main ingredient for marzipan; the Spanish also use it for the sweet Turron. We also use the wood from the trees in our woodburner and the shells to light fires.
Blossoming Almond Tree is one of Vincent van Gogh’s best known paintings. It was painted to honour his nephew, Vincent, as well as the Japanese art he so greatly admired. You will find an excellent print in the Van Gogh room at our villa.
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