The almond tree in bloom, timeless beauty with multiple meanings

The flowering almond tree, a fascinating and wonderful tree with very ancient origins, has become the symbol of cultivation in the Mediterranean basin, due to the climate and characteristics of the soil that welcome it. From flowering to almond harvesting, multiple meanings and a unique legend are hidden behind this tree.

Bare and raised to the sky, the branches of the almond tree await the arrival of spring to reach the peak of their beauty with flowers with five petals, delicate shades of pink and pure white. While waiting for its season to arrive, it is not unusual to see the buds bloom even before the leaves as early as February.

The origins of the flowering almond tree

Belonging to the Rosaceae family and the Prunus genus, the almond tree has Asian origins and arrived in Sicily, where it found its ideal habitat, in the 5th century thanks to the Phoenicians. There has been evidence of this fascinating fruit tree since the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC) and the presence of its fruits found in Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt (around 1325 BC) is singular.

Where the almond tree grows in bloom

The Mediterranean basin is the area where the almond tree is most widespread, thanks to a mild climate which determines its prosperity. Lover of hot climates, it is able to withstand drought, but not humid areas and particularly clayey soils. The essential element for the cultivation of this long-lived tree, which reaches 10-12 meters, is the choice of sunny and airy areas that are not too windy.

Meaning of the almond tree in bloom

The almond flowers are the first to bloom, they can survive at low temperatures and their flowering lasts about two weeks, which is why they are indicated as a symbol of rebirth by the prophet Jeremiah in the Bible. In the biblical text of Ecclesiastes, however, they become an emblem of the inevitable flow of life, up to ageing. In Hebrew it takes on the meaning of "hardworking" or "vigilant", given that it is one of the first trees to flourish in Israel, while for the Greeks it was a symbol of hope and constancy.

Legend of the almond tree in bloom

When we talk about the blossoming almond tree, we cannot overlook the ancient legend that enhances its charm. Ovid in the "Metamorphoses" speaks of the blossoming of the almond tree as the touching love match between the Greek princess Phyllis and Acamas, son of Theseus, who left for the Trojan War. Fillide, after ten years of waiting for her beloved, believing him to have fallen in the war, dies of pain. Athena decides to transform Phyllis into an almond tree, symbol of the hope that kept her alive. Acamante, still alive, having learned of what had happened, desperately embraces the almond tree which, having absorbed that love, gives his beloved scented flowers instead of leaves. This timeless love continues to be fulfilled every year with the first flowering of the buds.

Harvesting the fruits of the flowering almond tree

The harvest of almonds, the fruit and seed of the almond tree, takes place between August and September depending on the variety of the tree and when the hairy drupes become brown and begin to open. After harvesting, done with special cloths, the almond is cleaned of the husk that covers the woody shell and dried in dryers. Witnessing the blossoming of the almond tree is always an emotion for us who, for thirty years, have witnessed this little miracle every year with renewed amazement. After flowering, we keep the tradition alive and instead of modern dryers we prefer to dry the almonds with the ancient method, directly under the sun. From every branch a flower, from every flower a fruit, which enjoys our care to guarantee you a taste of pure nature. If you are visiting our Sicily and want to know more and treat yourself to an almond tasting at our company, contact us. Tel. +39 0931.573123 / Fax +39 0931.1846988 Cell. +39 333.4558132