Groundnut/Peanuts Origins: USA, Mexico Scienific Name: Carya Illinoinensis Prior to European settlement, pecans were widely consumed by Native Americans and were particularly prevalent in what are now Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. The USA produces 75% of the world’s pecans, followed by Mexico at approximately 20%. Pecans trees can live over 300 years of age and start producing seeds after 10 years. They yield the greatest harvests between 75 and 225 years. Pecan trees are monecious, meaning it is able to self-pollinate, however the best harvests are when cross-pollination has occurred. Buds are formed during the summer months, and flower the following spring. The nuts are then ready for harvest in the autumn. Get in touch for any questions you might have CONTACT US © 2015 Premier Fruit & Nut. Designed by 312Media.co.uk This site uses cookiesOkay, thanksFind out more

Almonds Origins: USA, Australia, Spain Scientific Name: Prunus Dulcis Almond is a species of tree that is endemic to Middle East and South Asia, however today California produces more than 80% of the world’s almonds. Other major origins are Australia and Southern Europe, with Chile also an emerging producer. There are more that 30 different varieties of almonds. The three major varieties produced are Nonpareil, California and Mission. Once planted, an almond tree takes 4 years to reach full maturity and will continue producing for approximately 30 years. Almond flowers are pollinated by bees during the bloom period of around three weeks. Most orchards will require some form of irrigation to allow tree to reach its maximum capacity of production. When the flowers fall off, the buds grow into a shell cased in a soft hull, within which the almond kernel forms. As the fruit matures, the hull splits, exposing the shell and allowing it to dry. During harvest, the trees are mechanically shaken, to release the fruit form the trees. The collected shells are then sent to processing plants for cracking. Once processed, the almond has proven to be a very versatile nut, serving a vast variety of uses. It can be processed into a number of different forms; in it’s raw form it is used as a snack and as an ingredient (particularly in the bakery and confectionary industries). Blanched almond meal is the main ingredient in marzipan furthermore blanched meal, sliced, slivered, whole blanched and split almonds are important ingredients in all the cuisines of the world. Almond milk has recently come to the fore an a substitute for diary and soya milk. Almonds oil has important uses in cosmetic applications as well as cooking oil. Almonds are low in saturated fat and cholesterol free. They are high in protein and fibre and an excellent source of calcium and vitamin E. Get in touch for any questions you might have CONTACT US © 2015 Premier Fruit & Nut. Designed by 312Media.co.uk This site uses cookiesOkay, thanksFind out more