Amonds are almonds that have had the 'L' knocked out of them. I always say they are almonds on the tree and amonds off the tree.
This is a term of cultural expression with some history tossed in. When California almonds were originally harvested the tree was struck by a mallet with a rubber or leather head on it (so not to damage the tree). Its hard work. Poles were also used to reach the longer branches.
The nuts fell on a tree and were gathered up from the tarp. Later someone invented an almond knocker which was engine powered and it knocked the tree. This took some manual labor away, but helped reach the tall and larger branches. It was more of a inertia pounding than a vibration. Then as years went on into the '60s-70s, hydro-mechanical shakers became the most common harvesting equipment. So Today there isnt much knocking going on, just shakin'.
So if you were an old timer you remember the hard labor days of knockin' the L out of the tree, so you are likly to call them amonds.
For 8 years at Capay Hills Orchard we harvested the old way with the mallet and poles, but the tree got too big. We still to this day manually harvest about 10 trees that cannot be mechanically harvested due to clearance issues with telephone poles, etc.
Almonds may not be cheap, but they are cheaper than the doctor or hospital. Eat well, live well, and support your organic famer.
Purchase unpasteurized raw almonds and almond butter direct from the California farmer at Capay Hills Orchard. You can order through the website, www.chorganicalmonds.com, or by calling or texting 530-507-8222 to speak directly with the farmer, Brian Paddock. Alternatively, email capayhillsorchard@gmail.com. Please share this post with your friends.
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