How To Harvest Almonds From A Tree

You can harvest almonds from a tree once the hulls split open and the shells inside feel dry and loose.
 
Timing is everything when you harvest almonds from a tree, because picking too early gives you bitter, rubbery nuts that never develop properly.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to harvest almonds from a tree in your own backyard, the good news is that the process is simpler than most people think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through when to harvest almonds from a tree, the right techniques to use, and how to dry and store your harvest so it stays fresh for months.
 
Let’s get to it.

When to Harvest Almonds From a Tree

Knowing exactly when to harvest almonds from a tree is the most important step in the whole process.
 
Here’s how to tell the time is right:
 

1. Watch for Splitting Hulls

The clearest sign that it’s time to harvest almonds from a tree is when the outer hull begins to split open.
 
This green, fuzzy hull will peel back on its own, revealing the hard shell underneath.
 
Once you see those hulls cracking, the almonds are telling you they’re ready.
 

2. Check the Shell and Kernel

When you’re about to harvest almonds from a tree, crack open a sample nut to check inside.
 
The shell should feel hard and dry, and the kernel should be plump with a skin that’s easy to peel.
 
If the kernel is still soft or shriveled, give the tree another week or two before you harvest almonds from it.
 

3. Timing by Season and Climate

Most people harvest almonds from a tree in late summer to early fall, usually between August and October.
 
Trees in warmer climates tend to be ready to harvest almonds earlier, while cooler regions push the season back.
 
If you want to harvest almonds from a tree at peak quality, start checking your tree daily once summer starts winding down.
 

How to Harvest Almonds From a Tree Step by Step

Once the nuts are ready, here’s how to harvest almonds from a tree without damaging the tree or the nuts:
 

1. Shake the Branches

The easiest way to harvest almonds from a tree is to shake the branches gently.
 
Spread a tarp or sheet on the ground first to catch the falling nuts.
 
Then grab a branch and shake it firmly so the ripe almonds drop onto the tarp.
 

2. Use a Pole for Taller Branches

For branches that are out of reach, a long pole helps you harvest almonds from a tree without climbing.
 
Tap the higher limbs with the pole so the nuts fall onto your tarp below.
 
Just be gentle with the bark so you don’t injure the tree while you harvest almonds from it.
 

3. Pick Up and Sort Your Nuts

After you harvest almonds from a tree, gather everything on the tarp and sort through it.
 
Remove leaves and twigs, and set aside any nuts with cracked shells or signs of mold.
 
It’s also smart to harvest almonds from a tree before heavy rains hit, since wet nuts can spoil quickly.
 

How to Dry and Store Almonds After You Harvest Them

Once you harvest almonds from a tree, drying them properly is what protects their flavor and shelf life.
 
Here’s what to do next:
 

1. Remove the Hulls

Right after you harvest almonds from a tree, peel off the outer hulls and compost them.
 
The hard shell should stay on for now, since it protects the kernel during drying.
 

2. Dry Them in the Sun

Spread the nuts in a single layer on a tray or screen and leave them in a warm, dry spot for a few days.
 
When you harvest almonds from a tree, they hold a lot of moisture, so they need to dry until the shells crack easily and the kernels snap instead of bending.
 

3. Store Them Properly

Once your almonds are fully dry, crack the shells and store the kernels in airtight containers.
 
Keep them in a cool, dark place, or freeze them if you want to harvest almonds from a tree and enjoy them for up to a year.
 

So, How Do You Harvest Almonds From a Tree?

You harvest almonds from a tree by waiting for the hulls to split, shaking the branches onto a tarp, and drying the nuts before storing them.
 
Timing matters most when you harvest almonds from a tree, and a simple crack test tells you when the nuts are ready.
 
Gather your tarp, give the branches a good shake, and enjoy the fresh almonds you harvest from your tree.