When it comes to history the first thing which clicks in our mind is usually the prehistoric time or the history of our country – not the almonds. But the history of Almonds might surprise you, especially the almond lovers. The word almonds are derived from a French language. Since 1400 BC almonds have maintained due importance in ethics, social and religious significance. It is a species of tree found in South Asia and Middle East. They were first found by human beings of prehistoric times beside the coast of Mediterranean into Southern Europe and North Africa and then the process of transporting it to the other world began. In the beginning the wild form of almonds were introduced.
The domestic form was discovered in the Early Bronze age around 3000-200- BC. In 1700’s the almonds were transported from Spain to California. By 1870s the researchers and the nutritionist introduced a large variety of almond forms. And in 20th century a proper industry for almond form was introduced. And today, almonds are imported and exported which brings great revenue to countries. Basically almond cannot be considered as a true nut. You can call it a drupe which means an outer hull but a hard shell with pit. The annual pollination day of California is the largest pollination day in the world.
Almond tree is a small one which grows about 4-10 meters. Its trunk is about 30 centimeters which is 12 inches. The twigs or the young plant is green in color and after that it turns purplish into color and in the second year it turns grey. The leaves of this tree are mostly 3-5 inches. The flowers on this tree are white or palish pink in color. The fruit actually becomes ready after five-six years of planting.
The worldwide production of almonds is around 1.7 million tons. In 2002 it was calculated to be 1.87 million tons. California produces 80% of the world’s total production of almonds. They have discovered a wide range of variety and sizes in almonds. They exported around 1.83 billion in 2003.