Almonds “Kokand”

Description

1. How it is grown and harvested: Almonds have been cultivated in Central Asia since ancient times, and wild almond species still grow on the region’s mountain slopes. Long, hot, dry summers, mild winters and well-drained stony soils are ideal for almond trees, and they give the nuts a sweet, concentrated flavour. Kokand almonds take their name from the historic city of Kokand in the Fergana Valley, one of Uzbekistan’s main almond-growing areas. The trees grow in sunny orchards with fertile, well-drained soils. In late summer, when the hulls split, the nuts are harvested, hulled and dried naturally. The Fergana Valley’s long hot summers and mountain irrigation water help the kernels develop a full, sweet flavour and a good oil content.

2. Processing and packaging details: The almonds are cleaned, sorted by size and inspected to remove empty or damaged nuts and foreign material. They are packed in export bags or cartons that keep them dry and well protected during storage and transport. Each lot is checked for kernel fill and taste before packing. Store almonds in a cool, dry place (ideally below 15 °C), away from light and strong odours. In-shell almonds keep their quality for up to 12–18 months; kernels for around 12 months in closed packaging. Each lot can be supplied with export documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, on request.

3. Health benefits and nutrition: Kokand almonds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, plant protein, dietary fibre and monounsaturated fats. Contains tree nuts. Almonds are associated with a heart-friendly diet, and their combination of protein, fibre and healthy fats gives steady, lasting energy. Kokand almonds are naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, and their sweet kernel makes them a pleasant snack for children and adults alike. Almonds pair especially well with dried apricots and raisins in traditional Central Asian snack mixes. Kokand almonds are popular for snacking, markets, gift assortments and for cracking to produce kernels. Kokand almonds are one of our larger-volume almond lines and are well suited to regular wholesale supply. Their kernels are excellent for roasting, confectionery and baking.

Typical values per 100 g of kernels (shell removed). No added salt or sugar.