5 days ago
Why Almonds Cost More This Year?
Bahrain's local markets have recently seen a sharp rise in almond prices, with rates reaching up to BD 14 per kilogram.
Ahmed Abu Kareem, owner of the popular 'Loz Bokreem' stall, told Al Ayam that the increase is mainly due to a shortage in supply. He explained that both local Bahraini almonds and the sought-after 'Jumbo' variety are now being sold at around BD 14.
'The big almonds ripened late this year because of low humidity and continuous winds,' Abu Kareem said. 'The wind really affected the trees, and the harvest was much smaller, which pushed the prices up.'
He highlighted that almond growth and quality depend heavily on humidity levels. 'The higher the humidity, the bigger, sweeter, and better the almonds,' he explained.
According to Abu Kareem, different varieties appear throughout the season, starting with the popular 'Habbān' almonds, followed by the prized 'Alexandrian' almonds, known for their reddish interior and rich flavor, and finally the large 'Jumbo' almonds that customers eagerly wait for.
He also stressed the importance of proper crop care, noting that pesticide spraying is essential to protect the almonds from worms and insects. 'If you don't spray the right pesticide, you won't get a single edible almond,' he said.
Despite the price hike, Bahraini almonds have started appearing on local tables, known for their high quality and variety. Markets usually become lively as soon as the almond season kicks off, with customers rushing to get their share of the limited harvest.
