Buy almonds wholesale and choose from different packaging units and forms of processing, in addition to the classic varieties of sweet, soft-shelled and bitter almonds.
It’s a common misconception that almonds are nuts. Almonds grow on a drupe tree that belongs to the rose family. From a botanical standpoint, almonds are therefore considered drupes whose kernels are a popular export product. The alternative term almond kernels is clearer in this respect. By contrast, whole almond fruits are rarer. The almond tree is very resistant to cold winters and can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C. The tree is generally highly resilient to heat and wind and needs very warm temperatures in summer.
The origin of almond kernels lies in Southwest Asia. It is from here that they began to spread into western countries via Greece and North Africa.
The origins of the cultivated almonds, from which we can also supply you, are mainly in the following regions:
USA (California)
Australia
Spain
Italy
Wild almond trees can be found in the following regions among others:
Eastern Mediterranean countries
Turkey
Caucasus
Iran
Iraq
Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
Almonds have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. A few centuries ago, the kernels were considered an important staple due to their essential nutrients, covering the protein needs of people in subtropical regions.
Germany can only satisfy domestic demand with imported almonds. Although the almond tree is also able to grow in our region, it can only be used as an ornamental tree. Mediterranean countries, particularly Spain, as well as California are among the most important growing regions for the production of cultivated almonds. The USA is the most prominent with an 80-percent share of global production, although all the almond kernels harvested there come exclusively from California. The mild climate, plenty of sun and the fertile soil make cultivation possible and ensure a reliable harvest. Almond kernels have thus established themselves in California as an important agricultural product for exporting worldwide to around 90 countries. The harvest on Californian almond plantations takes place between August and October. The almond kernels are then dried in the field before they are gathered and processing of the almonds begins.
Almonds you can buy wholesale are divided into three groups characterised by the different ways in which they can be used. The names for these varieties refer to the flavour as well as the consistency of the almond kernels:
As their name suggests, bitter almonds have a bitter taste. The amygdalin they contain forms hydrocyanic acid that can result in cramps or shortness of breath. This variety of almond is therefore unsuitable for raw consumption. In low quantities, bitter almonds can be used to flavour products such as liquor. Moreover, they are suitable for cooking or baking as the heat renders much of the toxin ineffective. In the case of the popular baking ingredient, bitter almond oil, the hydrocyanic acid of the almonds is removed during the production process.
This variety is the most important, as most Californian almond growers are specialised in cultivating sweet almonds. They taste particularly sweet and are characterised by a cinnamon-brown skin. This variety is often blanched, as this makes it easier to remove the skin. If you decide to buy sweet almonds, they are ideal for use in baking or preparing desserts. Sweet almond kernels can also be safely consumed raw, since they don’t contain any toxins.
Soft-shelled almonds also have a sweet flavour. With their particularly thin and brittle shell, this variety is suitable for raw consumption and is predominantly found in nut mixes.
Among the common varieties, there are further regional differences between almonds you can buy wholesale. The varieties mainly vary in terms of shell hardness and their suitability for further processing. In California, 30 almond varieties are prevalent – of these only ten varieties account for around 70 percent of the harvest. The following three main categories describe the properties of almond kernels, although each variety can also be assigned to multiple categories.
There are over a hundred varieties of almond kernels in Spain. However, here too only few of these are significant for export, including the “Marcona” and “Valencia” varieties. Spanish almonds can generally be distinguished from the Californian almonds by their harder shell, lower porosity and a more intense flavour.
Almonds – like many Nut kernels– are well known for their various health benefits. Although almond kernels contain around 50 percent fat, these fats are largely unsaturated fatty acids. These are far healthier than the saturated type and positively affect the cardiovascular system, blood fat values as well as overall and LDL cholesterol levels. The secondary plant substances and fibre they contain also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol. But almonds should only be consumed in moderation due to the high calorific content. The German Nutrition Society recommends eating 25 grams of almond kernels per day.
At almost 600 kilocalories per 100 grams, the calorie content of almonds is relatively high. However, studies have shown that the human body only absorbs two thirds of these calories. The cause for this can likely be found in the fibre content and the stability of the almond cell walls. These factors impede calorie intake. Moreover, almonds provide a lasting feeling of satiety and reduce hunger cravings. Almond kernels are suitable for an alkaline diet, unlike hazelnuts or walnuts .
Almonds contain 20 percent protein. For this reason, almonds and almond products are suitable as an alternative source of protein for people who consume a vegan diet or engage in lots of sport. What’s more, a carbohydrate content of around 22 percent produces a long-lasting feeling of satiety. Healthy fibre promotes digestion and reduces inflammation. Thanks to their prebiotic properties, almond kernels support a healthy stomach flora and a well-functioning immune system.
Almonds contain many essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The minerals magnesium, iron and calcium support the nervous system and musculature. Calcium and magnesium can be absorbed by the body particularly well when consumed together. The high amount of vitamin E contained supports the body in combatting free radicals. Free radicals attack body cells and thereby accelerate the aging process. Due to these effects, the cosmetic industry uses almond oil in a range of different cosmetic products. Furthermore, the vitamins B1 and B2 strengthen the nerves and promote energy metabolism.
| Nutritional value | per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 590 kilocalories |
| Fat | Approx. 50 grams |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 6 grams |
| Protein | Approx. 25 grams |
| Fibre | Approx. 11 grams |
| Minerals | Approx. 1.5 grams |
© HandmadePictures/iStock.com
When buying almonds wholesale, there are a wide range of processed products to choose from. Flaked almonds are thin pieces of almonds that can also be roasted. Ground almonds are a high-protein and gluten-free alternative to flour. Chopped almond kernels are also suitable for use in baked goods and desserts. Due to the way they are processed, these almond products have a reduced shelf life.
You can buy almonds with and without the shell. Almonds in the shell have a higher fibre content as well as more nutrients. Almonds with skin are suitable for toasted almonds, for example. Unshelled and natural almonds are also used to produce almond milk – a vegan alternative to cow’s milk. Shelled almonds are around half the weight of unshelled almonds. In the case of almonds without skin, they should be consumed quickly as they are more susceptible to mould.
© Juan José Valencia Antía/iStock.com
If you decide to buy organic almonds wholesale, you can benefit from several advantages. No pesticides are employed with untreated almonds. For instance, no hydrogen phosphide is used. The use of sulphur for preservation is also prohibited for organically cultivated almond kernels. This process also destroys the vitamin B1 and reduces the health benefits of almonds. If you buy almonds raw and natural, you should ensure these almonds have reduced germs and are free from salmonella.
The Californian almond industry uses more than just the almond kernel for export and processing. The shells and hulls of the almonds are also versatile, for example as feed or litter. They are also used in the production of cosmetic products, medication and even plastic products. When heat-treated, the shells form a charcoal-like product that can be processed accordingly.
The traditional wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. works closely with the producers of various types of nuts. In the case of almonds, we are one of Europe’s leading importers. For decades, we have been developing relationships with producers predominantly based in California, USA. Other sources in Europe, Chile and Australia enable us to provide high-quality delivery of fresh goods all year round. By cooperating closely with our producers, we offer you almonds at wholesale prices in high quality.
Order almonds online and adjust your order to your needs and wishes. From our wholesale range, you can buy almonds in various packaging units, such as in 1, 2, 5, 10 or 25-kilogram units or in other bulk packaging. When buying whole almonds wholesale, you can select the right unit and ensure correct storage at low temperatures in a dry environment. The antioxidants in almonds allows them to be stored for a long time. The shelf life of processed almond kernels (such as chopped or ground almonds) is reduced due to the increased surface area. Roasted almonds require airtight packaging. Buy almonds loose or packed only in the quantities necessary to ensure a long shelf life.
August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG
Raboisen 58
20095 Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0)40 3 20 03-0
Email: contact@atco.de
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