October at Bella Viva Orchards: The Joys of Almonds!

October at Bella Viva Orchards: The Joys of Almonds!

Back in February, we talked about the countless miles of Almond trees in full bloom. It’s a truly spectacular sight for visitors and locals alike. Well, thanks to the kindness of Mother Nature, a long sunny season and the hard work of many dedicated people, we can now say we’re in the middle of Almond harvest time. If you’re familiar with California’s Central Valley during this time of the year, you know what that means: Trees bending under the weight of their bounty, agricultural equipment in the orchards and skilled workers suited up in white coveralls out in the middle of it all. It happens every year and many of us who live here see it as a global event that’s taking part in front of our very eyes.

If you live in the Central Valley, no doubt you’ve seen the Almond industry soar over the past 20 years. Experts report that the annual production has gone from 830 million pounds in 2001 to well over three times that amount today. We’re talking about around 3 billion pounds yes, that’s with a “B.” We’re seeing more land being dedicated to growing Almonds than ever before. Today, our state has over 1.2 million acres utilized for Almonds. When they’re knocked off those trees, where do they all go?



Well, reports tell us that just over one-third of Almonds produced are enjoyed right here in North America, then 25 percent and 24 percent go to Western Europe and Asia-Pacific, respectively. The remaining 14 percent goes to the Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. In California, Almonds are THE top crop produced, acreage-wise, and the second-most valued commodity exported after Dairy Products. All this world activity around this nut that’s grown right in our back yard. Literally! We love to share our joy for Almonds with the world!

We could go on about the global business side of Almonds, but let’s get back to YOU! We want you to get local with Almonds. So local that we think you should get lots of ‘em into your home! We hope you love Almonds because they’re so nutritious, tasty and fun to eat. And because they’re a locally-grown treasure. You know that they’re wow-worthy by themselves for an anytime snack, chopped and added to your oatmeal in the morning or incorporated into a healthier savory dinner entrée. The possibilities are countless! And if you haven’t cooked with Almond Flour yet, now’s the time bake an incredible batch of Almond Flour Blueberry Pecan Cookies with Cacao Chips. You’ll be blown away by their texture, their flavor and their gluten-free virtuousness!

With the holidays on the horizon, you’ll want to be sure to stock up on Almond gifts such as the California Almond Tray, Diced Roasted Almonds for baking, or any of our flavored or chocolate-covered Almond products.

It’s all good for gift-giving or for enjoyment anytime! Be sure to check out our October Specials: 1 lb bags of our organic raw almonds are 25% Off and l lb bags of raw almonds are 10% Off as well.

So celebrate the new harvest, the well-deserved rest our local Almond trees and workers are getting and the wonderfulness of California’s beloved Almonds. Happy Fall, Almond lovers!

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