The fact that there are many different breeds of almonds with different shapes, sizes, and tastes surprises a lot of people. But what are the best almonds? Where do they come from? What do they taste like? This blog will answer these questions and more.
Almonds are one of the most popular and beloved nuts worldwide. Native to South and Central Asia almonds have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now grown commercially in many countries with Mediterranean climates.
With over 30 different varieties, there are many types of almonds to discover each with their own unique taste, texture and aroma. While California produces over 80% of the world’s almonds, some of the finest and most flavorful almonds hail from classic almond-growing regions in Spain, Italy, Portugal and beyond.
Here are 7 of the best almonds in the world to try if you want to experience the crème de la crème of this nutritious nut.
1. Marcona Almonds – Spain
Hailing from Spain, Marcona almonds are internationally renowned as one of the best almond varieties in the world. Marcona trees flourish in the arid climate of southeastern Spain.
Marcona almonds have adistinctive short, round shape compared to thelong, pointed California almonds commonly found in grocery stores. They also boast an incredibly unique, rich and indulgent flavor with notes of vanilla, butter and cream. When roasted, the oils in the Marcona almonds caramelize, bringing out even more sweetness.
The decadent taste and texture have earned Marconas the nickname “the queen of almonds.” Marconas are perfect for snacking on their own but also shine in both sweet and savory dishes. These gourmet almonds pair well with chocolate, wine, cheese and more.
2. Sicilian Almonds – Italy
Grown on the Italian island of Sicily, Sicilian almonds are another almond treasure. Sicily has the ideal climate for almonds, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Sicilian almonds have a subtle sweetness complemented by a delicate bitterness. They contain about 50% oil, giving them a rich, creamy texture. These almonds are delightful on their own but also add complexity to desserts like marzipan as well as savory dishes.
The most common Sicilian almond varieties are Fascionello, Romana, Tuono and Genco. Fascionello is the most prized, with a refined, aromatic flavor.
3. Almond of the Douro – Portugal
The Almond of the Douro comes from the Douro River Valley region of northern Portugal. This Portuguese almond has Protected Designation of Origin status for its superior quality.
These plump almonds have a refined, mellow sweetness balanced by a pleasing hint of bitterness. Their high oil content gives them a velvety smooth texture and mouthfeel.
The Almond of the Douro makes for an exceptional snack and also shines in baked goods, ice cream, almond milk and marzipan. These nuts pair nicely with the famous ports and wines of the Douro Valley.
4. Almond of Mallorca – Spain
Grown on the sunny island of Mallorca off Spain’s eastern coast, the Almond of Mallorca holds Protected Geographical Indication status. Mallorca’s warm climate and limestone-rich soils provide ideal growing conditions for these exceptional nuts.
Mallorcan almonds have a delicate sweetness and prominent crunch. They contain nearly 50% oil for a rich, creamy consistency. Mallorcan almonds are primarily used in baked goods but also make a tasty snack on their own.
5. Geroskipou Almond – Cyprus
Cyprus has a long tradition of cultivating almonds. The Geroskipou almond hails from the village of Geroskipou in the coastal Paphos region, where almonds have been grown for centuries.
These Cypriot almonds have a lovely rounded shape and pure white interior when shelled. Their flavor strikes a perfect balance between floral sweetness and pleasant bitterness.
Geroskipou almonds are prized by chefs and artisanal confectioners. Their high oil content and bold flavor make them ideal for pastries like baklava.
6. Almond of Toritto – Italy
Hailing from the town of Toritto in southern Italy’s Apulia region, the Almond of Toritto holds Protected Designation of Origin status. Toritto’s position on the Adriatic coast and its limestone-rich soil create the perfect habitat.
These almonds have an elongated teardrop shape and crisp texture. Their flavor profile combines sweet, buttery notes with hints of bitterness. The Almond of Toritto is excellent for eating raw or toasting. It also gives depth of flavor to regional desserts like amaretti cookies.
7. Almond of Avola – Italy
The Almond of Avola is another Italian PDO almond variety cultivated in Sicily. The town of Avola lies on Sicily’s southeast coast, which enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate ideal for almonds.
These Sicilian almonds have an oval shape and thin brown peel. Their interior is off-white in color with a faint sweetness rounded out by pleasant bitterness.
The Almond of Avola contains over 50% oil for a velvety texture. It brings a rich almond taste and aroma to Italian treats like nougat, pastries and gelato.
Conclusion
From the intense flavor of Marconas to the refined Mallorcan almonds, this list showcases some of the best gourmet almond varieties around the world. Seek out these specialty almonds from traditional growing regions to take your recipes, snacks and desserts to the next level. With their unique textures, flavors and aromas, these nuts offer an unforgettable almond experience.
Location and Almond Variety
Almond varieties vary based on where they are grown in the world. The United States, in particular California, dominates the almond market producing over 80% of the worlds almonds.
California may produce the most, but that doesn’t mean they produce the superior breed. Over 200,000 tons of almonds are produced annually in Spain. These nuts are grown in Spain and sent all over Europe. In the Americas and a lot of Asia, they are sent by the United States. The Mediterranean climate, which is found only in a few places in the world, makes these nuts grow well in both countries. Conversely, Spains tradition of almond growing has lasted for hundreds of years while Californias history remains young comparatively. Thus, Spain has nearly perfected the art while Californians continue to learn their valuable lessons.
Wait… Are those almonds?
There is a difference between the best almonds and the nuts you can buy at the store. Furthermore, you may have trouble finding these almonds in any store in your area. This is none other than the Marcona almond. The Marcona almond typically finds its home in Spain and it is rarely grown in California. We’re lucky that our store is one of the few in California that grows this almond, and you can buy it there.
The Best Roast Almonds In The World
FAQ
What are the best quality almonds in the world?
Which country produces the best almonds?
Where are the best almonds grown?
What are the best almonds to eat?
Where are almonds grown?
In terms of physical location, the majority of almonds are grown in the United States, particularly in the state of California. Almonds are grown worldwide and are also a popular product in Spain and Italy, among other regions of the world. Is almond butter healthier than peanut butter?
What are the best raw almonds?
Sunbest Raw Almonds are plain, simple, unroasted almonds. These California grown almonds have no salt added and are pasteurized for safety, so if you aren’t too picky about the specifics and just want an easy source for unroasted almonds, it’s a great pick. 5. Trader Joe’s Nuts Raw Almonds Check price at Amazon
What are the best roasted almonds?
Best roasted almonds: Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds Blue Diamond makes excellent roasted almonds that have just enough flavor from roasting and salting to be savory and crunchy, but don’t go overboard on the sodium—an important consideration if you’re incorporating almonds into your diet for heart health.
Are almonds a tree nut?
To cut a long story short, almonds are a type of nut that grows on the almond tree. Due to this, almonds are classified as “ tree nuts”. In the modern day, different types of almond varieties can be found growing all over the world (which we are going to be getting into further down in this post) but they originally came from the Middle East.
Are almonds healthy?
Many people can be put off by the high levels of fat that almonds contain, but it’s important to keep in mind that none of the fat inside almonds is saturated, which means that the fat found in almonds is healthy for the body, and almost identical to that found in olive oil.
Why are almonds so expensive?
Almonds are perhaps one of the most expensive nuts on the market today. The most significant reason for the higher price of almonds is high demand and low supply. In addition, it is expensive to grow and harvest almonds, with the process taking longer than other nuts or food products.