The Almond in California

by R. H. Taylor

Early ripening varieties must be chosen. The crop must be in the hands of the trade early, for the bulk of it is used in the holiday trade. This is especially true with unshelled almonds. Early almonds only can be harvested and sold before the bulk of the European shipments arrive.

The actual time of ripening of the different varieties is variable from season to season, and in different sections or even different orchards in the same season. Generally, harvesting commences early in August and closes about the middle of October. The approximate order of ripening of the better known varieties is shown in [table IX].

TABLE IX
Approximate Order of Ripening of Varieties of Almonds

1.	Nonpareil
2.	I.X.L.
	Jordan
3.	Ne Plus Ultra
4.	Peerless
	Princess
	California
	King
	Silver
5.	Golden State
6.	Lewelling
7.	Drake
8.	Languedoc
	Texas

Many new varieties have been originated in California but most of them have fallen into disfavor in a short time. In fact, it is impossible to locate even single trees of some varieties which were formerly well known. From time to time, however, worthy varieties have been introduced and have succeeded in making a permanent place for themselves through their ability to fill a demand that before had been but partially or poorly supplied.

In view of the changing market situation for California almonds, due to the rapidly increasing acreage and the very limited demand for unshelled almonds, it is safe to predict that the only new varieties which will be of value in the future will be those that are primarily of superior quality for shelling purposes. Yield must take second place.

Well known varieties are not only in heavier demand in the principal markets, but they invariably bring much better prices than the newer varieties. In some years, when the domestic crop of a given variety is light and the demand good, it is possible to unload poorer or less known varieties at fairly good prices. More often, however, they are a drag on the market.

Owing to the increasing consumption of shelled almonds and the probability of a still greater increase in the future, growers should arrange future plantings with a view to supplying the best shelling varieties. At the present time, the best shelling varieties are not ordinarily the heaviest producers. With a limited production they may not even bring as large returns as the poorer but heavier yielding varieties. As the production increases, which it is doing very rapidly, the relative value of the best shelling varieties will increase in proportion and they may be sold at good prices when it will be impossible to move a heavy tonnage of a poor variety at a profitable price.

Although the future almond markets will no doubt use shelled almonds very largely, there will always be a limited demand for unshelled almonds for use in the holiday trade and for home table use. Unshelled almonds to be acceptable for such purposes must be large, attractive nuts with light-colored, clean-looking shells, soft enough to be broken with the hands. The kernels must be well filled and free from gum. The I.X.L. is the most popular and highest-priced nut for this purpose. The Ne Plus Ultra ranks next because of its attractive outside appearance and shape; one of the principal objections to it being its tendency to have gummy kernels. The Drake is another variety in demand for this purpose. It is moderately large, plump and well filled with a good quality kernel, and while not as attractive as the I.X.L. or Ne Plus Ultra, it is popular with the medium-priced trade. A certain class of trade prefers the Nonpareil for such use, and it appears to be growing in popularity because of the attractive kernel and the ease with which shelling by hand is accomplished.