The almond blossom in Mallorca is legendary. Thousands of almond trees beautify entire regions. The white and pink flowers not only emit an unparalleled aroma but also create a charming view, making walks a delight for the eyes.
Almond Blossom in Mallorca
There are around eight million almond trees across the island: bitter almonds with pink flowers and sweet almonds with white flowers. Especially in the western part of the island, almonds are planted in large orchards. Between Palma and Andratx or Valldemossa, there are many almond trees along the roads. There are also many beautiful almond trees in the southeast of Mallorca. The highest concentration can be found in the triangle between Llucmajor, Cala Figuera, and Colonia Sant Jordi. As you head northeast, almonds become scarcer. You are sure to find almond trees in bloom in those areas as well, but the fully blossomed orchards are much more impressive than individual trees.
When does the almond blossom begin in Mallorca?
The flowering time of almond trees mainly depends on the climate, the variety (the flowering time of sweet and bitter almonds varies on average from 1 to 2 weeks), and the location of the trees. Generally, it ranges from mid-January to mid-February or early March. Depending on the weather, the first flowers may appear as early as December in some years, while in others, they may not bloom until January. In colder weather, flowering starts later but can last until March. Almond trees typically bloom until late February or early March, provided there are no frosts in February. Rain can also affect the flowers. According to experience, February is the best time to see Mallorca covered in a sea of white and pink blossoms. In April, cherry and apple trees begin to bloom, followed by orange trees, lemon trees, and apricot trees.
Where does the almond blossom begin?
In the southeast of the island, as it is the warmest area. The trees at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana are the last to display their delicate bloom, as they sometimes have to endure cold winds.
The color of almond blossom
Almond trees in Mallorca bloom in pink and white. The pink flowers come from bitter almonds, while the white ones are from sweet almonds.
Where is the almond blossom the most beautiful?
Es a topic that can be debated for hours. But if we take the density of trees and flowers as a criterion, Llucmajor would be a good answer, as there are several almond plantations in that area. If you drive from Llucmajor, for example, to S’Estanyol, you can see the almond trees from the mountain of the Randa monastery. We have also described a wonderful hike for the almond blossom in that area. In the southeast, the route Felanitx – Cas Concos – Santanyí is recommended. The blooming almond trees are also very picturesque in the charming villages of Galilea and Orient.
How many almond trees are there in Mallorca?
There are an estimated six to eight million almond trees. In Mallorca alone, around 200 different varieties are cultivated. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be pink, white, or yellowish. Some varieties bloom earlier, while others bloom later. Approximately 250,000 specimens grow wild. An almond tree can reach heights between 2 and 11 meters. The trunk can have a diameter of up to 100 centimeters, and the average lifespan is about 70-80 years. Some specimens have even lived up to 150 years.
The history of almond cultivation
Curiously, almond trees were brought to the Balearic Islands by the Moors. Almond cultivation reached its peak when the phylloxera plague in the late 19th century nearly wiped out viticulture in Mallorca. At that time, almond trees were planted in many areas to ensure food security. This led to Mallorca being considered the largest almond-growing area in the world by the late 1930s.
Legend about how the almond tree came to Mallorca
A Mallorcan child enjoys listening to the legend of the Moorish king who had everything in abundance and was infinitely rich. The only thing he lacked was a beautiful woman to love. When he finally found and married the most beautiful and intelligent woman, who came from the North, she suffered a terrible homesickness. Everyone could hear her crying, and anyone who listened to her also felt sadness. The queen always spoke to her maid about the snow-capped mountains of her homeland and that special fragrance. But the mountains of Mallorca are not that tall, and in winter, only a few snowflakes fall. The Moorish king then remembered a tree from his homeland, the almond tree, a tree with white flowers like snow and an exceptional scent. He ordered almond trees to be planted all over the territory in front of the Sierra de Tramuntana. In the winter of the following year, they bloomed beautifully, covering all the valleys with a white cloak of flowers, reminiscent of the color of snow. When the queen saw this stunning bloom and sensed the delightful aroma, she couldn’t help but smile. The melancholy came to an end.
Almond Blossom Perfume from Mallorca
Today, almonds remain important to the economy: they are one of the main export products of the island. The blooming of the almond trees attracts numerous tourists each year who want to witness this floral spectacle. There are also many almond-derived products, such as special almond cakes, almond liqueur, and the famous Mallorcan almond perfume.
Is almond cultivation profitable in Mallorca today?
Unfortunately, it is no longer profitable. Although a slight upward trend is perceived. Around 1970, Mallorca was still the largest producer of almonds in Spain. Then, the Mallorcan almond, with its delicious sweet-and-sour flavor, was displaced from the market for pragmatic reasons. Valencia and California offered almonds with uniform shapes, which, while more bland in taste, could be better processed by the machinery in the confectionery industry.
Are there almond blossom souvenirs?
Yes, for example, the perfume “Flor d’Ametler” (available at almost all perfume shops) or the almond blossom liqueur “Flor d’ametla” from Dos Perellons (available in many gourmet stores).
The best time to see the almond blossom in Mallorca
The best time to travel depends on the blooming phase, which runs from January to February. During this period, temperatures can be reminiscent of spring. At noon, under the sun, they can reach 20 degrees Celsius. However, as soon as the sun sets, and even on less sunny days, temperatures can drop to 3 degrees. Snow is even possible. For example, in mid-January 2005, winter suddenly arrived for two weeks, bringing snow even to Palma. Therefore, for a trip to see the almond blossom, it is advisable to bring both t-shirts and thick sweaters, jackets, and boots. It is always possible to remove layers if it gets too hot. Feeling cold is unpleasant. Both situations can occur in January and February. Sunglasses should also be included in your luggage, as the sun can be quite strong during the almond flowering season.
When are the best times to take photos of the almond blossom?
The best photos are always taken in the morning. The sunlight, rising in the east, illuminates the trees from behind. In the east, the best photos are taken at the end of the afternoon.
Souvenirs from Mallorca related to the almond tree: From the flower to the almond
The blooming almond trees offer an olfactory spectacle that is hard to forget. The Mallorcan company Rover believes the scent is too valuable to simply let it escape. Since 1930, its employees have been collecting and selecting these white flowers every February. Through a laborious process, Rover produces the perfume “Flor d’Ametler” – almond blossom – two years later. Part of the flowers is distilled and floats as decoration in each bottle. Since crafting this delicate essence is an artisanal work, only a limited amount is available. A truly exclusive souvenir, as “Flor d’Ametler” is only available in Mallorca. The perfume can be found in numerous shops on the island as a perfume or eau de cologne. Additionally, Rover produces soaps and hand creams based on almond oil. How does the almond blossom taste? Delicious! Also, try “Dos Perellons” almond blossom liqueur, which comes in a very elegant bottle.
Almond blossoms to savor
Decorate desserts or cakes with delicate almond blossoms: simply natural or candied using this recipe for candied almond flowers. At the famous ice cream shop Sa Fàbrica de Gelats in Sóller, you can try homemade sweet almond ice cream. But almonds are not just for sweet tooths. Almonds also offer many valuable nutrients and are very healthy.
