Ferraduel Almond Tree

The Ferraduel Almond Tree (Prunus amygdalus) is a productive and resistant variety. Following its rather late flowering in March, this Almond Tree produces almonds with a hard shell, rather large, and can be harvested from mid-September. It is a non-self-fertile variety, requiring pollination by another variety such as Ferragnes. Planting should be done in autumn.

The almonds, surrounded by a thin brown skin, are contained in a more or less tender shell, itself surrounded by a green fuzzy envelope. The almonds are harvested when the fuzzy envelope opens, usually towards the end of summer, by shaking the branches with a pole if necessary. After harvesting, separate the shells from the green envelope, spread them out, and let them dry in the sun for several days. The dry almonds can then be stored for several months in a dry and well-ventilated place. In May and June, it is also possible to pick fresh (green) almonds by hand. These will keep for a very short time, only a few days. In cooking, almonds can be used whole (with the skin), blanched (without the skin), sliced (cut into very thin strips lengthwise), or crushed (reduced to small pieces or powder). They are mainly consumed in desserts or in certain savoury dishes such as tagines, for example. Almonds are oily fruits that can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Almonds are also used in cosmetics, particularly for their oil with soothing and moisturizing properties.

The flowering of the Almond Tree, in February or March depending on the variety, is particularly sensitive to spring frosts. The Ferraduel variety blooms in March, with the Almond Tree covered in small white-pink flowers that appear before the leaves. This variety is pollinated by the Ferragnes variety. It is indeed necessary to have another almond tree nearby, within a radius of 10 to 15 metres, to ensure good fruiting.

The Almond Tree is a nut-bearing fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to central Asia. It is a typical tree of the Mediterranean region, with wood used in cabinet making. Its deciduous leaves are alternate, narrow, and lanceolate. The Almond Tree can reach a height of 6 to 10 metres (20 to 33 feet), with a width of 6 to 8 metres (20 to 26 feet), and can live for several decades. It is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -25 °C, but its flowers are destroyed at -2 °C. It can be planted in orchards as well as in ornamental gardens, thanks to its beautiful flowering in late winter.