Where Do Almonds Come From? Guide
Knowing the origin of almonds helps us appreciate the incredible journey this tiny nut has made—from ancient groves in the Middle East to supermarket shelves around the globe.
Botanically speaking, almonds aren't actually nuts—they're seeds. They come from the fruit of the almond tree ( Prunus dulcis ), which is closely related to peaches and cherries. If you've ever cracked open a peach pit, you've seen something that looks a lot like an almond inside.
Unlike peanuts (which are legumes) or walnuts (which are true nuts), almonds are classified as 'drupes'—fruits with a hard shell and a seed inside. It's this seed that we eat.
Almonds have a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first domesticated in the Middle East, particularly in areas that are now modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.
Almonds appear in the Bible and are one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees. They were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, proving their value and status in ancient Egypt.
Almond trees are deciduous and require a cold winter to properly bloom. They typically flower in early spring, and the nuts are harvested in late summer.
These trees thrive in Mediterranean climates—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Well-drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal for optimal growth.
The earliest wild almonds likely grew in the Fertile Crescent, an area known for the birth of agriculture. Over time, farmers selectively bred almonds to remove toxic bitterness from wild varieties.
This region played a key role in the spread of almonds, especially along trade routes like the Silk Road and later, via Roman and Greek expansion.
Thanks to ancient civilizations and traders, almonds made their way to Greece, Italy, and Spain, where they became deeply ingrained in culinary traditions.
Spanish missionaries brought almonds to the New World in the 1700s. While initially unsuccessful in some parts, they found a perfect home in California's Central Valley.
The global almond industry is now dominated by: United States (especially California)
Spain
Iran
Australia
California produces over 80% of the world's almonds. Its ideal climate, advanced agricultural technology, and vast farmland make it the top choice for large-scale almond farming.
Almond harvesting usually takes place from August to October. Farmers use mechanical shakers to shake the trees, causing the nuts to fall to the ground where they dry before being collected.
Once harvested, almonds are hulled, shelled, sorted, and sometimes roasted or blanched, depending on their end use.
Growing almonds is water-intensive. A single almond takes about 1.1 gallons of water to produce. This has sparked debate, especially in drought-prone California.
Environmentalists argue that large-scale almond farming strains ecosystems, but many farmers are adopting water-saving technologies and sustainable practices to counter these issues.
Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. They're rich in: Protein
Healthy fats
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Fiber
They help lower cholesterol, support heart health, aid in weight loss, and even benefit brain function.
Sweet almonds are edible and widely cultivated. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and are toxic if eaten raw.
Almonds can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, slivered, or turned into products like almond milk, butter, or flour.
From Indian sweets like badam halwa to Italian biscotti and French macarons, almonds are a global culinary star.
Almond oil is used in skincare, while almond shells are even used for eco-friendly fuel and mulch. Almonds are technically seeds.
They are related to peaches and plums.
Bees are essential for pollinating almond trees.
California almond blooms are the first major crop bloom of spring.
Almond trees can live for 20–25 years.
Almonds face challenges from climate instability, bee population decline, and shifting consumer demand. Farmers must adapt to survive.
Drip irrigation, AI monitoring, and regenerative practices are shaping the future of sustainable almond farming.
Eco-conscious consumers are pushing for lower water usage, better pollination practices, and organic farming standards.
Almonds have traveled a long and fascinating journey—from ancient groves in the Middle East to high-tech farms in California. Whether you enjoy them in your breakfast smoothie or as a crunchy snack, almonds are a testament to nature's resilience and human innovation.
No, almonds originated in the Middle East, but California is now the world's largest producer.
Wild almonds are often bitter and toxic, while cultivated almonds are sweet and safe to eat.
No, they need a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
It takes about 3 to 4 years for an almond tree to start producing nuts.
Not raw. Bitter almonds contain cyanide and must be processed to be safe for consumption.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Time Business News
12 hours ago
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Where Do Almonds Come From? Guide
Almonds are more than just a healthy snack. They're one of the most popular tree nuts in the world, prized for their flavor, versatility, and health benefits. But have you ever stopped to wonder where do almonds come from? Knowing the origin of almonds helps us appreciate the incredible journey this tiny nut has made—from ancient groves in the Middle East to supermarket shelves around the globe. Botanically speaking, almonds aren't actually nuts—they're seeds. They come from the fruit of the almond tree ( Prunus dulcis ), which is closely related to peaches and cherries. If you've ever cracked open a peach pit, you've seen something that looks a lot like an almond inside. Unlike peanuts (which are legumes) or walnuts (which are true nuts), almonds are classified as 'drupes'—fruits with a hard shell and a seed inside. It's this seed that we eat. Almonds have a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first domesticated in the Middle East, particularly in areas that are now modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Almonds appear in the Bible and are one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees. They were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, proving their value and status in ancient Egypt. Almond trees are deciduous and require a cold winter to properly bloom. They typically flower in early spring, and the nuts are harvested in late summer. These trees thrive in Mediterranean climates—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Well-drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal for optimal growth. The earliest wild almonds likely grew in the Fertile Crescent, an area known for the birth of agriculture. Over time, farmers selectively bred almonds to remove toxic bitterness from wild varieties. This region played a key role in the spread of almonds, especially along trade routes like the Silk Road and later, via Roman and Greek expansion. Thanks to ancient civilizations and traders, almonds made their way to Greece, Italy, and Spain, where they became deeply ingrained in culinary traditions. Spanish missionaries brought almonds to the New World in the 1700s. While initially unsuccessful in some parts, they found a perfect home in California's Central Valley. The global almond industry is now dominated by: United States (especially California) Spain Iran Australia California produces over 80% of the world's almonds. Its ideal climate, advanced agricultural technology, and vast farmland make it the top choice for large-scale almond farming. Almond harvesting usually takes place from August to October. Farmers use mechanical shakers to shake the trees, causing the nuts to fall to the ground where they dry before being collected. Once harvested, almonds are hulled, shelled, sorted, and sometimes roasted or blanched, depending on their end use. Growing almonds is water-intensive. A single almond takes about 1.1 gallons of water to produce. This has sparked debate, especially in drought-prone California. Environmentalists argue that large-scale almond farming strains ecosystems, but many farmers are adopting water-saving technologies and sustainable practices to counter these issues. Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. They're rich in: Protein Healthy fats Vitamin E Magnesium Fiber They help lower cholesterol, support heart health, aid in weight loss, and even benefit brain function. Sweet almonds are edible and widely cultivated. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and are toxic if eaten raw. Almonds can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, slivered, or turned into products like almond milk, butter, or flour. From Indian sweets like badam halwa to Italian biscotti and French macarons, almonds are a global culinary star. Almond oil is used in skincare, while almond shells are even used for eco-friendly fuel and mulch. Almonds are technically seeds. They are related to peaches and plums. Bees are essential for pollinating almond trees. California almond blooms are the first major crop bloom of spring. Almond trees can live for 20–25 years. Almonds face challenges from climate instability, bee population decline, and shifting consumer demand. Farmers must adapt to survive. Drip irrigation, AI monitoring, and regenerative practices are shaping the future of sustainable almond farming. Eco-conscious consumers are pushing for lower water usage, better pollination practices, and organic farming standards. Almonds have traveled a long and fascinating journey—from ancient groves in the Middle East to high-tech farms in California. Whether you enjoy them in your breakfast smoothie or as a crunchy snack, almonds are a testament to nature's resilience and human innovation. No, almonds originated in the Middle East, but California is now the world's largest producer. Wild almonds are often bitter and toxic, while cultivated almonds are sweet and safe to eat. No, they need a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It takes about 3 to 4 years for an almond tree to start producing nuts. Not raw. Bitter almonds contain cyanide and must be processed to be safe for consumption. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. A special quality sets some people apart from the crowd. They are magnetic to be around, attractive to watch, hypnotic to listen to. They have, in a word, charisma. It seems like a divine grace—indeed, the word derives from the ancient Greek χάρισμα, meaning 'God's gift.' The word appeared in third-century B.C.E. Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, and early Christians referred to charismata as blessings bestowed on believers such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Our modern usage of charisma comes from the early-20th-century sociologist Max Weber, who called it a 'certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' And today, the concept of charisma is having a moment in the abbreviated slang term rizz, which, in Generation Z vernacular, describes one's ability to charismatically court a romantic partner. It involves a notable power to impress others with smooth talk, confidence, or style—a skill we'd probably all like to have, beyond the domain of romance. Do you have charisma? Would your life be better if you had more? Or is it, like fame, a blessing that hides a curse? The idea of being more charismatic certainly seems appealing, but here's what science can tell you about whether this elusive rizz is a divine gift or a false friend. From the September 2016 issue: The charisma effect A number of psychologists have looked for charisma's seemingly magic ingredients. One of the most cited studies on the topic, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2018, argues that charisma is actually a combination of two traits: influence (the ability to guide others with confidence and competence) and affability (the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease). Influence is judged based on qualities such as one's presence in a room, magnetism, and leadership ability. People see affability in, among other traits, frequency of smiling, approachability, and projection of positive energy. Leaders use their charisma to influence others in very specific ways. By analyzing speeches given by charismatic individuals, one helpful model shows a distinct, three-stage use of emotion. First, the speakers model and amplify the mood prevailing among their audience ('We are angry because those people over there are bad!'). Then they introduce a dissonant emotion that actually confuses people ('But you know what? 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You can re-create this input easily by reading the words of famous orators (think Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.), and studying videos of great speakers on YouTube. I stumbled on my own version of this method of the Charismulator intervention early in my public-speaking career, by listening to audio recordings of great communicators. I took copious notes on the speakers I admired, and accepted every invitation to talk in order to practice what I was learning. (Your nephew's bar mitzvah in February in Fairbanks, Alaska? I'll be there!) Anyone can improve their charismatic presence by being conscious of using these physical gestures, but it takes practice to make learned charisma stick. The early feedback I got on my public speaking did not include the phrase incredible charisma. The first notes were more like 'paces like a caged animal' and 'terrifying amount of eye contact.' With time, I did get better at it—fortunately. One question I haven't answered yet—and given this column's remit, you might be thinking that was a strange oversight: Does possessing charisma make you happier? I have found no evidence that addresses this topic head-on. Although you might assume that charisma would deliver happiness, one line of research gives me pause. One human capacity that strongly predicts charisma but is most definitely not correlated with higher happiness is self-consciousness —that is, thinking frequently about yourself. Charismatic people do think about themselves a lot—and that characteristic, as I have previously discussed, usually brings unhappiness. When it comes to happiness, much can be said for accepting who you are, rather than constantly worrying about what impression you're making on others. So yes: You probably can get more rizz, but you might want to skip it and have more peace of mind instead.
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What happens during Mercury retrograde? 8 In astrology, Mercury governs cognition and communication, how we gather, process, and disperse knowledge, and exchange ideas with others. zwiebackesser – Mercury is named for the trickster Roman god of thieves, messages and merchants — a wing-footed, loose-tongued psychopomp who escorted the dead to the underworld and carried messages near and far, high and low. In astrology, Mercury governs cognition and communication, how we gather, process and disperse knowledge, and exchange ideas with others. When a planet is retrograde, its energy works in the opposite direction, not necessarily against us, but certainly not as a trusted sidekick. Because Mercury governs the mind, its retrograde triggers challenges in organizing, expressing, and creating order. An astrological PSA: Planets do not ever move backward in space; they merely slow their proverbial rolls, a deceleration that looks like a reversal from our vantage here on beautiful, broken planet Earth. Retrogrades invite us to lean hard and clean into the prefix 're': reimagine, revise, repent, reflect, review, renew, reconcile, resolve, and reorganize so that when the planet moves forward, so, too, can we. This summons to reflect and restrain is especially arduous when Leo is holding court, as the sign is more interested in the expression than contemplation and more likely to roar than ruminate. Mercury in Leo 8 At its brightest expression, Mercury in Leo is a lion-hearted, creative, and stalwart steward of the inner child. Stellar Bones – Leo is the home of the ham, and Mercury is the planet of exchange. When these two energies meet, communication is a bold blend of gregariousness, galvanization, and self-aggrandizement. 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Mercury retrograde in July 8 The ethos of this retrograde is to speak true but sit tight. Stellar Bones – Common symptoms of Mercury's retrograde include travel delays, brain fog, unexpected or renewed conflict, sexts sent to the wrong recipient, general malaise, and frequent misunderstandings. In a recent episode of 'The Bear,' one character assures another, 'Honesty is sanity,' and never is the parable more applicable than during a Mercury retrograde. That being said, and if you'll excuse the platitude, timing is everything. In tandem, the ethos of this retrograde is to speak true but sit tight. Is there a Mercury retrograde right now? Because Mercury retrograde is going down — or back, as it were—in fixed sign, those with personal planets falling in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius will feel these effects most acutely — particularly those with planets or angles between 4 and 15 degrees. 8 Taurus will be feeling it this month. Stellar Bones – Mercury's retrograde is hitting team Taurus in the trigger-rich realm of family origins. It would be easy, and in keeping with tradition, for you to meet challenging family dynamics with bitterness, stoicism, or seething resentment. However, Mercury retrograde presents an opportunity to defy expectations and revise strategy. The last thing they'll see coming and the quickest route to shock and awe? An apology. Allow me to clarify with the sage advice of author Mark Matthews, 'Apologizing does not always mean you're wrong and the other person is right. It just means you value your relationship more than your ego.' 8 It'll feel like a transitional period for Leos. Stellar Bones – Ahoy Leo! Mercury is retrograding in your first house, which represents the self. You may feel more like a dented tin cup than a shiny penny during this transit as the planet's backpedal makes you question your identity, usually unshakable confidence, and conversational prowess. However, it is precisely this kind of self-inquiry that can help you evolve in the way you communicate, teaching you to deepen your listening skills and approach each interaction as an opportunity to understand, rather than respond. 8 Who are you trying to please, and does your ladder have a limit, Scorpios? Stellar Bones – Merry retrograde parade to you, Scorpio. This one is rounding the backstroke bases in your tenth house of legacy and personal purpose. Where do you want to be, and are you making moves that support that course? As Mercury retrograde encourages us to review and revise, use this time to determine whether your idea of success is inborn or born of outside influence. Who are you trying to please, and does your ladder have a limit? 8 Mercury retrograde is coming correct for your seventh house of trusted partnerships, Aquarius. Stellar Bones – What messages, verbal, psychic, and physical, are you sending to your nearest and dearest, Aquarius? Further, what communicative currents are picking up on that you have thus far failed to address? Mercury retrograde is coming correct for your seventh house of trusted partnerships, a summons to review what you spew and meditate on how you reciprocate. You are not only capable but divinely designed to exchange with others in ways that serve your better angels and the principles of equality. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
