If you’ve ever cracked open a fresh almond or snacked on vibrant green almonds in early summer, you may have wondered: How are almonds harvested? When is almond tree harvest time? At Handy Farms, we believe great taste starts with great knowledge—so here’s an insider’s guide to how almonds go from tree to table and where to find the freshest almonds near you
How Are Almonds Harvested?
Almond harvesting is a fascinating process that blends technology, timing, and tradition. It typically happens in late summer to early fall, depending on weather and tree maturity.
Here’s how the process works:
Shaking the Trees – Mechanical shakers gently shake the almond trees, causing the nuts to fall onto the orchard floor.
Sweeping & Gathering – Almonds are left to dry naturally for a few days before being swept into rows and collected.
Hulling & Shelling – Once harvested, almonds are hulled (the soft outer layer is removed) and often shelled, depending on whether they’re sold as in-shell or shelled nuts.
Almond Tree Harvest Time in California
California is responsible for producing over 80% of the world’s almonds, and harvest usually begins in late July and extends through September. If you’re wondering “when are almonds harvested in California?” — the answer depends on the variety, but most farms start shaking trees between late July and early August.
What About Fresh Green Almonds?
For a brief window in spring to early summer, almond lovers seek out fresh green almonds — the immature, fuzzy pods that haven’t fully hardened into the crunchy nut we know. Their tender texture and tart flavor make them a seasonal delicacy and an ingredient in for many fermented drinks.
Where to Find Fresh Almonds
At Handy Farms, we offer:
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Fresh green almonds (when in season)
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Freshly harvested almonds—straight from our trees to your table
There’s something grounding about roasting your own almonds—just a pan, a little salt or spice, and a few minutes of patience. These almonds come from our regenerative orchard, where they’re grown without synthetic inputs and harvested in small batches. Roasting brings out their deep, nutty flavor—perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting in a jar.
Honey-Roasted Almonds
A perfect snack or gift, made in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
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2 cups raw almonds (skin on)
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon coconut oil (or butter)
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½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for extra crunch)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Warm the honey mixture:
4. In a small saucepan, melt the honey and coconut oil together over low heat. Stir in cinnamon and salt.
5. Coat the almonds:
6. Toss the almonds in the warm honey mixture until evenly coated.
Bake:
7. Spread the almonds on the baking sheet in a single layer.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly near the end!
9. Cool and crisp:
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely (they’ll get crunchier as they cool). Optional: Sprinkle with a little brown sugar while still warm.
Serve & Store:
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Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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