Almond (Prunus dulcis)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Prunus dulcis is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet-flavoured forms have a delicious flavour but bitter forms should not be eaten in any quantity - see the notes above on toxicity. — Seed - raw, cooked or dried and ground into a powder for use in confections etc.; The whole seed can also be roasted, sprouted or used in cakes, confectionery and pastry.; The sweet-flavoured forms have a delicious flavour but bitter forms should not be eaten in any quantity - see the notes above on toxicity.; The seed is somewhat difficult to digest and so needs to be thoroughly masticated.

Habitat & North American Range

Cultivated ground, thickets, hedges and rocky places near cultivation. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)