Almond tree - How do I harvest my almonds properly?

Quick Read / The Essentials of Almond Harvesting

Almond harvesting is a key step in ensuring quality production and optimizing farm profitability. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers by offering them plants adapted to market requirements. To successfully complete this crucial phase, it is essential to choose the right time, prioritize the best harvesting techniques, and adopt effective post-harvest treatment.

The choice of harvest time is based on several criteria. For dried almonds, the ideal period is between September and October, while fresh almonds are harvested between May and June. The opening of the husks is a reliable indicator of maturity: when 80% of the husks are open, the fruits are ready to be harvested. Harvesting too early leads to excessive humidity and an increased risk of mold, while harvesting late exposes the fruits to bad weather and pests.

The choice of harvesting technique depends on the size of the farm and the level of investment. Manual harvesting is often reserved for small areas, while larger farms opt for mechanization with tree shakers and self-propelled harvesting machines. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , recommends the use of high-performance equipment to maximize efficiency and preserve fruit quality.

After harvesting, rigorous processing is necessary to ensure optimal preservation of the almonds. Shelling, drying, and sorting are essential steps. Using a hot air dryer reduces humidity to 6-8%, thus limiting the risk of mold. To ensure optimal preservation, almonds must be stored under controlled conditions, with a temperature below 20°C and a relative humidity below 65%.

With the right practices and the use of high-performance equipment, growers can guarantee a successful harvest. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse means ensuring expert support and varieties that meet the market's yield and quality requirements.

Introduction

Almond harvesting is a critical phase in the production process. Poor management of this stage can lead to yield losses and deterioration in fruit quality. To ensure an optimal harvest, it is crucial to choose the right timing, adopt the right methods, and implement an efficient post-harvest process. This guide presents best practices for maximizing the quality and profitability of harvested almonds.

The ideal time for almond harvesting

The choice of harvest time is based on several technical and climatic criteria. Dried almonds are generally harvested between September and October, with harvesting possible as early as late August. For fresh almonds, the harvest period extends from May to June.

The main indicator of ripeness is the opening of the goves, the outer coverings that protect the shell. When 80% of the goves are open , this means that the almonds have reached their optimal ripeness. Harvesting too early results in excessively high humidity levels, making drying difficult and increasing the risk of mold. Conversely, a late harvest exposes the fruit to bad weather and pests.

The cultivated variety also influences the harvest time. For example, Ferraduel is harvested in early September, after Ferragnès . For some varieties, the yield at break is a good indicator: a rate between 25 and 28% indicates ideal maturity.

Weather conditions play a crucial role. Harvesting must be carried out in dry weather to facilitate natural drying and avoid contamination of the fruit by moisture.

Harvesting techniques adapted to farms

Depending on the size of the orchard and the level of investment, different harvesting methods are possible.

Hand-harvesting is mainly practiced in young orchards or on small areas. It involves collecting naturally fallen almonds or picking them directly from the tree. This method, while precise, is very labor-intensive and not suitable for large farms.

Semi-mechanized harvesting is an intermediate alternative. It relies on the use of vibrating poles that shake the branches, causing the almonds to fall onto tarpaulins placed on the ground. This technique is commonly used in medium-sized orchards (between 5 and 10 hectares), as it offers a good compromise between speed and cost.

On large farms, fully mechanized harvesting is the most efficient solution. Different equipment is used:

• Self-propelled machines (Arcusin or Topavi type) carry out the vibration, reception and shelling of almonds in a single pass. They allow processing of 1300 to 1500 kg/hour .
• Inverted umbrella shakers are suitable for intensive cultivation systems. They shake the tree and collect the fruit directly into an umbrella-shaped receptacle.
• Straddle harvesters are used for super-intensive orchards. They shake multiple crowns simultaneously and significantly increase productivity.

Essential equipment for efficient harvesting

Successful harvesting relies on the use of specialized equipment. The tree shaker is one of the most widely used tools, allowing 80 to 150 trees to be processed per hour . For the collection of fallen almonds, self-propelled harvesters cover up to 0.5 hectares per hour .

Farmers with large areas can invest in a combined harvester , capable of harvesting up to 6 hectares in two days . The use of a huller is also recommended, especially if hulling was not carried out at harvest time. Some industrial machines process up to 2 tonnes of almonds per hour .

To ensure rapid and uniform drying, the use of a hot air dryer is recommended. This reduces the moisture content of the almonds to 6-8% , the ideal level to prevent mold growth and ensure optimal preservation. Finally, almond crushers facilitate the shelling and cleaning of the fruit before marketing.

Post-harvest processing: Drying, sorting and storage

After harvesting, almonds require rigorous processing to preserve their quality and optimize their marketing.

Hulling is an essential step if it was not carried out during harvesting. Using a huller removes the outer shell and eliminates plant residues that could promote the development of mold.

Drying is a crucial step in stabilizing the moisture content of the almonds. Two main methods are used:

• Natural drying , which consists of spreading the almonds on sieves in the sun for several days.
• Drying in hot air dryers , with a temperature not exceeding 40°C , in order to preserve the quality of the fruit.

Sorting and grading are carried out using specialized machines, which allow the almonds to be classified according to their size and quality.

Good conservation practices

Once the almonds have been harvested and dried, their storage must be strictly controlled to avoid loss of quality.

For short-term storage , almonds should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Ideal conditions are:

• Temperature : below 20°C .
• Relative humidity : less than 65% .

To extend the shelf life, almonds can be refrigerated at a temperature below 5°C , allowing storage for up to 2 years . Freezing is also an effective solution for storing almonds for a period longer than 2 years , with a temperature of -18°C or lower .

For large quantities, storage in a controlled atmosphere is recommended. Reducing oxygen to less than 1% and introducing nitrogen limits oxidation and insect proliferation.

Conclusion

Almond harvesting is a delicate operation that requires a methodical approach. By mastering the right timing, choosing the right technique for their operation, and ensuring optimal post-harvest processing, each producer can maximize the quality and profitability of their production.

The use of specialized equipment, optimal storage conditions, and adherence to good drying practices allow for the production of excellent quality almonds that meet market requirements. By applying these recommendations, French almond growers will be able to optimize their production and strengthen the competitiveness of the national industry.

To summarize: Best practices for almond harvesting

A successful almond harvest relies on a combination of best practices, including choosing the ideal time, adopting appropriate harvesting techniques, and rigorous post-harvest treatment. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports French producers in this process by offering them high-performance varieties adapted to their needs.

Harvest time varies depending on the variety and type of almond (dry or fresh). Monitoring the opening of the pods is essential to determine optimal fruit maturity. A well-planned harvest helps avoid yield losses and ensures maximum quality.

Harvesting methods should be chosen based on the size of the orchard. While manual harvesting is suitable for small farms, large areas require mechanized equipment such as tree shakers or self-propelled harvesters. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond trees , recommends investing in high-performance equipment to maximize efficiency and reduce labor costs.

Post-harvest processing plays a key role in preserving almond quality. Shelling must be carried out quickly to remove plant residue, while drying helps stabilize the fruit's moisture content. Storage under optimal conditions (temperature below 20°C, controlled humidity) ensures long-term preservation and protects the almonds from insects and mold.

By applying these best practices, producers can optimize their yield and ensure the quality of their production. Buying your almond plants from Amandiverse means choosing recognized expertise and quality support to successfully complete each stage of almond cultivation.