candycot picking

How to make trees drought resistant?

Here are a couple of pics from Carpenter ranch. While the recent drought did not affect us in any way, we are always watching out for new ways of optimizing irrigation water use. I came across this research findings in a recent article by Doll, who is a Univ of California nut crop advisor.

• Wait for trees to stress before watering: In other words, don't water your trees right when they need it. I know this sounds strange. Apparently, the goal here is to hold off on water so you can stress the trees a little more. This results in less vegetative growth (so no new branches or leaves) and fewer stomatal openings (fewer pores on the leaves - less water escapes thru these pores - more water is retained in the tree).   

• Cut back on nitrogen to avoid growth flushes: If you are reducing the water by 50%, you should reduce nitrogen application by 25%. Applying too much nitrogen will flush growth, increasing vegetation, which will require more water.

Candycots in development

Pictures taken just after a drizzle..

These green-lings don't linger for long!

Above picture is of a branch of green almonds at whitmore ranch. These baby almonds typically hang around for only about 6-8 weeks starting now. Apparently, many upscale gourmet chefs use green almonds as garnishing on their savory dishes. Here's the lowdown on this young nut.

Look: Fuzzy soft hull with gelatinous textured nut inside (think young coconut pulp).

Flavor: Raw, fruity and a little wheatgrassy'ish.

Taste: Sweet, tangy(?) with nice crunch.

Nutrition: Same as mature almonds.

Spring at Whitmore

Whitmore 4th leaf orchard and candycot trees. While almond trees set fruit already, candycot trees couldn't be bothered. They are only half-awake from their winter slumber.

Jacket split phase at Whitmore

It is always a pleasure to notice nutlets breaking free from their protective jackets following the end of the bloom season. In coming days, we will be able to tell how hard the bees worked. Here's a latest pic from the Whitmore ranch (click on it for hi res version).

The life cycle of an almond flower

Bud --> Bloom --> Jacket --> Nutlet.  

(Click on the pic to view a larger version).