Prunus dulcis Marcona - Almond

The Marcona almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a Spanish-origin variety of almond tree renowned for the exceptional quality of its fruits. Dubbed the "queen of almonds", it is characterised by its high yield, late pink flowering in February, and resistance to diseases. Its almond, with a hard shell and rounded shape, offers a unique, sweet, and flavourful kernel, sought after in pastry-making and ideal for crafting Turron. Adapted to the Mediterranean climate, this fruit tree can also thrive in a large pot on a sunny terrace.

The almond tree (Prunus dulcis), belonging to the Rosaceae family, originates from Western Asia, particularly regions extending to Persia and North Africa. It is cultivated and often naturalised throughout the South of France and in wine-growing areas. Growing in neutral to calcareous, stony, and dry soils, the almond tree is a nut-bearing fruit tree relatively easy to cultivate in its preferred climate, requiring minimal maintenance.

The 'Marcona' variety is an ancient Spanish variety, originating from the province of Alicante. It is famed for its high productivity and quick fruiting, typically after 5 years of cultivation. The 'Marcona' almond tree forms a tree with an open and spreading habit, reaching a height of 4 to 6 m with a slightly smaller spread. Its growth is rapid. The deciduous leaves are elliptical, lanceolate, measuring between 8 and 13 cm in length, with finely toothed edges and a glossy surface. Young shoots are initially green, turning greyish with age.

The 'Marcona' almond tree flowers in late February or early March, offering pink flowers, solitary or grouped in pairs, 3 to 4 cm in diameter. These flowers appear before the bud burst period of the leaves, giving the tree a spectacular appearance in early spring. They attract the season's first pollinators. The fruit is an oblong and compressed drupe, covered with a velvety green skin that dries and opens when ripe to release the stone. The shell is hard, effectively protecting the kernel from external damage. 'Marcona' almonds are rounded in shape and sweet in flavour. The kernel is always singular, as this variety does not produce twins.

The 'Marcona' variety is not self-fertile and requires the presence of compatible pollinators to ensure good fruiting. Varieties such as 'Texas', 'Ferraduel', 'Fournat de Breznaud', 'Guara', 'Filippo', 'Béraude', or 'Tournefort' are recommended as pollinators.

Harvest: 'Marcona' almonds reach full ripeness between late August and October, depending on local climate conditions. The harvest of dry almonds takes place when the hull, the green envelope surrounding the shell, cracks and begins to open. At this stage, the almonds can be picked directly from the tree or gathered after falling to the ground. After harvest, it is recommended to hull the almonds, then dry them in the sun on a sieve or aerated surface to reduce their moisture content and ensure good preservation.

In cooking: 'Marcona' almonds are sought after for their sweet and mild flavour. They are commonly used in pastry-making for crafting nougats, dragées, and pralines, particularly for the famous Spanish 'Turron'. Additionally, they can be consumed fresh, dried, or incorporated into various culinary preparations, adding a refined touch to desserts and dishes.

In the garden: The almond tree excels in a Mediterranean orchard or a natural garden with Mediterranean fruit species such as the Japanese medlar, the fig tree, the strawberry tree, and pomegranate trees. You can also surround it with rockroses, lavenders, and rosemary.