Detailed Explanation of Characteristics and Key Planting Techniques of American Almond Varieties

American almond, also known as American big almond, the edible part is the kernel. Under ordinary management conditions, the kernel yield of American almond is about 300 kg per mu, with an output value of about 5,000-7,000 yuan.

American almond has strong growth vigor, strong sprouting ability and branching ability. The longest annual branch can reach more than 2 m, with a diameter of 3 cm, and has 2-3 secondary shoots, with secondary shoots 40-50 cm long. Annual branches bear fewer flower buds. After being left unpruned, the short branches of 1-5 cm that sprout have strong flower-forming and fruiting ability. The fruiting branch is a terminal flower bud branch, and the fruiting parts are mostly on biennial branches. It is relatively drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and still has a large amount of growth under drought conditions. It is mostly cross-pollinated, so pollinator varieties must be configured during cultivation.

American almond is generally a thin-shelled variety. The shell is light brown and semi-circular. The seed coat thickness is 8-12 mm. In some varieties, the kernel is exposed, making it very easy to remove the kernel. The kernel generally weighs 12 g per single kernel, with a maximum of 16 g. The kernel is 0.65 cm thick, 28 cm long, and 25 cm wide. The kernel rate of most varieties is about 60%, and the highest can reach more than 65%. The flavor is mostly sweet and fragrant (bitter kernels are generally used medicinally), with excellent quality. It can be eaten raw or processed, and has high economic value.