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Nunes Farms is located in California’s Central Valley at the base of the coastal range. The Mediterranean type climate, with hot summer days and cold winters creates perfect conditions for growing almonds.
Almonds are one of California’s largest crops. Recent studies have shown the tremendous nutritional value of almonds, which has created higher demand.
Almonds are grown in environmentally sound ways.
Almond trees are deciduous and begin to bloom in mid February.
Honey bees are brought into the fields just before the blooms open to help pollinate the trees. Different varieties of trees are planted in alternate rows to provide optimum pollination.
There is a very delicate set of circumstances that must be met in order to achieve a high yield crop. Temperatures over 55 degrees and no wind or rain help to insure that the bees can do their job. Usually, there is a 2 to 3 day window during the bloom period for pollination to occur. After this stage is complete, the trees begin to leaf and the tiny almonds begin to grow.
As the days warm, the nuts continue to grow, with the almond surrounded by a shell and an outer hull. In late summer, the outer covering (or hull) begins to dry and crack. By mid August, harvest is under way. The trees are given a quick shake with a mechanical device and the nuts quickly fall to the ground where they are left to dry. When the perfect moisture level is met, the almonds are swept into rows and scooped up. During processing, the outer hull must be removed, and then the shells are cracked. The almonds are sized, sorted and put into cold storage to maintain freshness.
California almonds are sold throughout the US and the rest of the world. From the Nunes Family ranch in California's
Central Valley, Nunes Farms offers a unique variety
of packaged almonds. Not only does the ranch produce
all the almonds, it has facilities for dry roasting,
candy making, seasoning and packaging on the premises.
Click here to purchase our original
flavored almonds, snacks and candies. |
