Nutstrum varieties of almonds

Discover the singularities of the different varieties of almonds

Old varieties

Modern varieties: innovation and quality

Modern varieties are the result of research and development that has made it possible to improve traditional varieties. Among these are those developed at IRTA in Lleida such as Glorieta, Francolí, and Mas Bovera; in Murcia like Marta and Antonieta; in Aragon with the Guara; and in France with Ferranduel and Ferragnes.

Modernes

Varieties developed in Catalonia

12-14 mm

Medium to large

Oval and soft

Usual gauge

size

shape

Origin: IRTA, Tarragona.

Characteristics: Very productive, resistant, late flowering, hard shell.

Taste: Sweet and balanced.

Good for: Almond flour, desserts.

Vairo

Varieties developed in Murcia

Penta

Origin: CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia.

Characteristics: Extra late flowering, hard shell.

Taste: Sweet and smooth.

It is good for: Confectionery, flour.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

12-14 mm

Medium

Oval

Varieties developed in Aragon

Mardia

Origin: CITA, Aragon.

Characteristics: Late flowering, high productivity, hard shell.

Taste: Sweet, fine texture.

It is good for: Almond flour, confectionery.s

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

11-13 mm

Medium

Elongated

Varieties developed in France

Lauranne

Origin: INRA, France.

Characteristics: Productive, late flowering, disease resistant, hard shell.

Taste: Sweet and smooth.

It is good for: Confectionery, flour, desserts.

Curiosity : Resistant to diseases caused by fungi.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

12-14 mm

Medium

Oval and well structured

Clàssiques

Classic varieties: living tradition

Even today, varieties such as Marcona, Llargueta and Garrigues continue to be planted and appreciated for their exceptional flavor and quality. These classic varieties represent the essence of the almond tradition.

Marcona

Origin: Especially in Mediterranean areas.

Characteristics : Round, large almond with a hard shell. Highly appreciated for its quality.

Taste: Very sweet, rich and refined, often considered one of the best almond flavors.

It is good for: Making nougat, confectionery and artisan sweets. It is also eaten as a luxury snack, especially toast with salt.

Fun fact: Marcona is known as "the queen of almonds" for its superior quality and unique taste. This variety is so appreciated in Spain that it is used almost exclusively for the production of nougat during the Christmas holidays. Its demand has grown so much that it is found not only in local markets but also in foreign markets, especially in the United States, where it is used in haute cuisine recipes.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

14-16 mm

Large

Round and thick

Llargueta

Origin: Especially in Catalonia and Aragon.

Characteristics: Elongated and thin-shelled almond.

Taste: Sweet and delicate.

It's good for: Consuming it toasted is the best way, as this almond has the ability to lose the segment (the thin brown skin that surrounds the almond) after roasting. It is also used in pastry.

Curiosity: This variety is well known in Catalonia and is the basis of many Easter culinary traditions, especially for making toasted and pickled almonds.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

13-15 mm

Medium

Elongated and uniform

Old varieties: The taste of the past

Discover the varieties of almonds that are part of our agricultural heritage. Varieties such as Princesa, Mollar Blanca, Esperança, Canyaret, and Ramillet which, despite not being common on the market, offer unique flavors that explain the history of our territory.

Princess

Origin: Traditional from the Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula.

Characteristics: Medium-sized almond, elongated shape and soft shell, easy to crack with your fingers. It adapts well to the Mediterranean climate.

Taste: Very exclusive variety for its pleasant, soft, slightly sweet taste.

It's good for: Eat it toasted like peanuts, as they crack easily with your fingers. Also for making desserts and confectionery, thanks to its soft and sweet taste.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

12-14 mm

Medium

Elongated

Mollar Blanca

Origin: Traditional variety of the peninsula, one of the oldest, probably cultivated for centuries.

Characteristics: Almond with a white shell, very thin and soft, easy to break with the hands, which is why it was prized.

Taste: Sweet and smooth.

It is good for: Eating it as a snack because of its thin and easy-to-break shell. It is also ideal for dessert.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

11-13 mm

Small to medium

Oval and uniform

Canyaret

Origin: Traditional variety from the Mediterranean coast.

Characteristics: Thin shell and medium-sized almond. A variety completely out of use because its main characteristic is that it costs a lot to make it fall from the tree when harvesting it.

Taste: Sweet and delicate almond.

It is good for: Consuming it as a snack or in desserts due to its versatility.

Curiosity: In times of war it was said that they lasted on the tree for up to a year and more, they don't go rancid.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

11-13 mm

Small to medium

Oval

Desmai

Origin: One of the oldest varieties in Spain.

Characteristics: Its name comes from the "fainting" port of its trees, which have branches that are inclined or hanging down. It has a mid-late flowering, but its main characteristic is that it is quite susceptible to frost, which makes it more suitable for areas with temperate climates. The shell is hard, and the almonds are medium in size.

Taste: Sweet, with a mild and pleasant flavor.

It is good for: Almond flour and in confectionery, but it is also consumed as a snack.

Curiosity: This variety was very important in the past, especially in traditional crops. Although today it has been partly replaced by more modern and frost-resistant varieties, it is still cultivated in some areas and is highly valued for its flavors and for its tradition.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

10-12 mm

Small

Slightly curved, reminiscent of a crescent moon

Cristomorto

Origin: I talia, especially popular in the Pulla region. In Catalonia it was planted in some areas for its resistance to the cold.

Characteristics: It is an old variety with a late flowering, which makes it resistant to late winter frosts. Hard shell and fruits with an elongated and pointed appearance. It is known for being a rustic variety, adapted to dry conditions and poor soils.

Taste: Intense, with a sweet and slightly fruity flavor.

It is good for: Consuming as a snack due to its crunchy texture and intense taste. It is also used in traditional pastries and confectionery, especially in Italy, in typical sweets such as nougat and artisanal biscuits.

Curiosity: It is an almond that stands out for its characteristic shape, more elongated than some other traditional varieties, which makes it recognizable.

Usual gauge

Size

Shape

12-14 mm

Medium

Elongated, slightly pointed, with a narrow oval shape

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