01 / A CLOSER LOOK
An orchard staple.
A versatile ingredient.
The almond has a long history of cultivation, connecting orchards, kitchens and trade across generations. Its tree thrives in warm conditions, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, flowering before the crop develops.
Today, its value extends from a whole kernel in a snack mix to finely ground meal in a bakery. Variety, size and processing each influence the result: appearance, texture and how the ingredient works in your product.
We bring those details into the sourcing conversation, alongside origin, quantity, packaging and delivery.
UNDERSTANDING ALMONDS
Know the product.
Choose for your application.
Product & processing
Almond selection combines four separate decisions: variety, size, quality grade and processing form. The same count per ounce can be offered in different varieties and grades. Comparing offers on all four points makes the commercial discussion more useful.
Food industry applications
Whole kernels suit snacks and coating. Slices and slivers suit visible bakery applications; dice distribute through bars and cereal. Meal suits fillings and baking. Removing the skin by blanching changes appearance, so specify natural or blanched with each cut.
Almonds — commercial specification guide| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Nonpareil / California types | Discuss kernel shape, skin finish and suitability for the intended processing. California is also a commercial grouping, not a single cultivar. |
|---|
| Marcona / other Spanish selections | Confirm the exact variety or commercial mixture; match the offered material to texture and presentation needs. |
|---|
| US versus Spanish sizing | Count per ounce and millimetres are separate measurements. Do not treat a count-to-diameter conversion as an exact equivalence. |
|---|
| Grade | Confirm the current grade standard and tolerance schedule rather than inferring quality from kernel size. |
|---|
Formats and pack sizes are reference options, subject to supplier confirmation. Agree the specification, tolerances and documentation for the offered lot before purchase.
Grade reference: Almond Board grades and standards ↗
Can I order only by count per ounce?
Include the variety or commercial type, grade, natural/blanched condition, cut, packing and quantity. Count per ounce describes size, not every aspect of quality.
