Spain Info March: All about the almond

At this time and for a few more weeks, large parts of Spain are colored white and pink. The delicate almond blossoms show up and transform the landscape into a sea of ​​flowers!

 

                                                                      

 

Did you know? The fine aroma of this healthy energy source has been known for over 4000 years.  No wonder the trees bloom so beautifully (and also captivate the senses with their sweet scent), since the almond belongs to the rose family.  Almond trees are frugal and hardy in every way, making them ideal for barren and dry soils.  By the way, after the United States, Spain is the world's largest producer of almonds.

After flowering (from the end of January to the end of March), the seed begins to ripen and the harvest is done in July.  Depending on the variety (the best known are Largueta, Valencia, Marcona and Planeta), a sweet or bitter kernel is hidden in the hard shell (note: bitter almonds are poisonous if left untreated!).  The classic whole almond, chopped, sliced ​​or ground is the sweet almond.

Similar to other nuts, almonds are also very high in energy.  They contain more than 50% fat, many B vitamins and important minerals.  Almond milk is particularly popular with people who are lactose intolerant or allergic and also by vegans because it does not contain any animal protein.  Marzipan also consists to a large extent of almonds in the form of almond butter.  And here in Spain, it's impossible to imagine the popular Christmas treat "Turron" without the almond.                                                    

The  Almond, not only popular as a food, is also a rich essential element that goes into the composition of many body care products.  Pure almond oil effectively heals skin and hair in a gentle and natural way.

Have we gave you the desire to get a closer look at this spectacle of color of the abundance of almond blossoms? Then you should definitely come to Spain next year to appreciate the beauty of this colorful landscape heralding spring.  Who knows, maybe then you can spend your vacation in your own Spanish home..... smiley

 

 

Here are now some of the most beautiful places in the greater region of Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia and Mallorca, where you can marvel at the almond blossom:

Valle del Pop (near Alicante)

Around the village of Alcalali there are hiking trails through almond forests and numerous markets and shops of almond products.

Campo de Cajitán (Murcia)

One of the most extensive plains with almond trees on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Fliabres-Alhamilla (Almería)

Many villages in the region celebrate the "Jornades Gastronómicas de la Almendra" (Almond Gastronomic Days) with delicious products made from regional almonds.

Guaro (Malaga)

The Valle del Guadalhorce is one of the most beautiful corners of Andalusia to enjoy the almond blossom (many hiking trails!)

Son Severa (Mallorca)

It is not without reason that Mallorcans are proud that their island is one of the most beautiful places to marvel at the almond blossom.  In addition to Son Severa, the places Marraxti, Santa Maria del Cami or Bunyola are perfect for this.

 

We hope you enjoy our Spain newsletter and that it helps you get in the spirit of spring!  As usual, we have selected a varied mix of offers below for you.  We hope you will enjoy browsing through the selection of properties we made for you today!

With best regards from Spain!

Jan Hannemann and the Su Casita team