US Farmers Produce 3.6 Billion Pounds of ALMONDS this Way - Harvesting and Processing

Summary

Join us on an incredible journey through almond production, from planting seedlings in February to delivering the final product to consumers. Discover how careful planning, irrigation, and pruning help almond trees grow and thrive. See the vital role of bees in pollination and the harvesting process using special machinery. After drying, almonds are processed, sorted, and packaged to ensure quality. This video offers a fascinating inside look at how almonds go from the orchard to your table, highlighting the dedication and care involved in bringing this nutritious snack to you.

Takeaways

• 😀 Almond farming begins with planting seedlings in mid-February, timed to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• 🌱 Protective covers are placed over the seedlings to shield them from pests and excessive sunlight, promoting healthy growth.
• 💧 Almond trees require regular irrigation, with drip systems commonly used to conserve water and keep the trees hydrated.
• ✂️ Pruning, done in winter, helps shape the trees, remove dead branches, and ensure good air circulation for healthy growth.
• 🌸 Almond trees bloom between February and March, with their white and pink flowers requiring pollination by honeybees to produce almonds.
• 🐝 Honeybees play a vital role in almond production, pollinating flowers to enable the almonds to grow and develop.
• 🌳 Almonds mature over 5-6 months, growing in hard shells that protect the nut inside, which is eventually harvested.
• 🚜 Almonds are harvested by shaking the trees with special machines, making the process efficient and similar to harvesting olives or cherries.
• ☀️ In some regions, almonds are dried under the sun for a week, reducing moisture content and ensuring proper preservation.
• 🏭 After drying, almonds are processed at facilities where they are cleaned, sorted by size and quality, and shelled to remove the outer layers.
• 📦 The final step involves packaging the almonds in various forms, such as whole, sliced, or ground, and distributing them to markets around the world.

Q & A

What is the first step in almond production?

The journey of almond production begins in mid-February when farmers plant almond seedlings, ensuring they have optimal space and conditions for growth.

Why is the timing of planting almond seedlings crucial?

The timing is crucial because it allows the young plants to develop buds during the optimal growing season, which is essential for healthy development.

What is the role of protective covers in almond farming?

Protective covers are placed over seedlings to shield them from pests and limit excessive sunlight, giving the young plants the best possible start.

How do almond farmers ensure consistent care for young almond trees?

Farmers provide regular care by using drip irrigation systems to supply water directly to the roots and carefully monitoring the trees for any signs of disease or pest infestation.

What is the significance of pruning almond trees?

Pruning helps shape the trees, remove dead or diseased branches, and promotes better air circulation, which is vital for producing high-quality almonds in the future.

When do almond trees begin to blossom, and why is this period important?

Almond trees begin to blossom between February and March. This is a critical time because the flowers need to be pollinated by honeybees for the trees to produce almonds.

Why are honeybees essential for almond production?

Honeybees are crucial because they pollinate the almond blossoms, allowing the trees to produce almonds. Without their pollination, almond production wouldn't be possible.

How do almonds grow after pollination?

After pollination, the flowers develop into almonds, which grow and mature on the trees over the next 5 to 6 months, drawing nutrients from the soil and water from irrigation.

What happens during the almond harvest?

During the almond harvest, specially designed machines shake the trees, causing the almonds to fall to the ground. The fallen almonds are then collected for the next stage of the process.

How are almonds dried after being harvested?

In some regions, particularly the Middle East, almonds are spread out under the sun for about a week to dry. This traditional method helps reduce moisture content and preserve the almonds.

What happens to almonds at the processing facility?

At the processing facility, almonds undergo cleaning, sorting, and shelling. Advanced machinery removes the outer shells, and the almonds are sorted by size and quality before packaging.

How are almonds packaged and distributed?

Once sorted, almonds are packaged in various forms, such as whole, sliced, or ground, and shipped to markets and stores around the world, ensuring fresh, high-quality almonds reach consumers.