Almond blossom in Mallorca: a winter landscape to welcome spring

The almond blossom in Mallorca are a highlight during February and March. A picture that advances spring in Mallorca and that undoubtedly draws attention for its beauty. The end of January is usually the time when the almond trees bloom on the island. It is then when the fields are stained with that pinkish white so characteristic of the almond trees in bloom, scattered throughout Mallorca. A sensory experience that sharpens the senses of those who visit this phenomenon through one of the routes through the almond blossom of Mallorca.

Almond blossom in Pla de Mallorca. Photo: Jaume Capella, AETIB.

¿When and where to see almond blossom Mallorca?

Almond trees normally bloom in late January and can be enjoyed during February and early March. A show that takes place in low season and serves to welcome spring on the island.

The cultivation of the almond tree represents half of the area dedicated to fruit trees in Mallorca. For this reason, it is easy to find the beautiful image of almond blossoms throughout almost the entire island. From the car, they are a beautiful distraction on many of the roads. The vast majority of escapes to the interior of the island will feature the presence of the almond blossom in the fields.

For this reason, the landscapes of the almond trees with the Serra de Tramuntana are unique every February. In Mallorca, almond trees are seen in Bunyola, Sóller, Sencelles, Inca, Llucmajor … There really is no predefined route to enjoy the natural spectacle that takes place every year. In each municipality there is a nearby field of almond trees in which to observe their flowering. Also in the vicinity of Palma in es Secar de la Real and Son Espanyol, to name a few locations.

Such is the attraction of the flowering of the almond trees of Mallorca that from Germany, even from other countries, trips to Mallorca are organized just to observe the flowering of the almond trees. Traditionally, in February, the Almond Blossom Fair also takes place in Son Servera (in 2021, affected by the health crisis).

The almond trees of Mallorca: interesting facts

The large expanse of almond trees in Mallorca show off the excellent local produce. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2019 the regular plantation area of ​​almond trees was 24,032 hectares. These are lands that are traditionally used for grazing sheep. This serves to generate a cycle in which the livestock’s own contribution serves as fertilizer for the land. The harvesting of the almonds takes place from mid-August to the end of October.

Among the main local varieties can be mentioned for their current importance: “Canaleta”, “Pons”, “Pou Felanitxer”, “Verdereta”, “Jordi”, “Vivot”, “Totsol”, “Perechine”, “Menut”, “Andreu”, “Vinagrillo” and “Llucas” among others. They present the qualities of being vigorous trees adapted to the conditions of the terrain. As a drawback, it stands out that most are early flowering and therefore susceptible to frost damage.

On the other hand, the cultivation of almonds has been the most affected by the quarantine bacteria “Xylella fastidiosa” in the Balearic Islands. As of September 15, 2020, 280 positive trees have been counted. Something that can affect the flowering of the tree.

Foto: Jaume Pallicer, archivo AETIB.

Curiosities of the “Majorcan ametlla”

Once you enjoy the landscape of the almond trees in bloom in Mallorca, it is time to take the plunge and try the product. The “Majorcan ametlla”, the local name of the fruit, is distributed raw or toasted, with or without skin. In any case, it is a very characteristic food of Mallorcan cuisine. This is confirmed in the numerous bibliographical references that speak of the “Mallorcan ametlla” for centuries. Recipes such as gató or the traditional almond ice cream are today an example of the use of this fruit in today’s gastronomy.

Although the almond trees in bloom in Mallorca are a sight to behold and smell, tasting their fruit will leave the best taste in your mouth. And it is that the almond of Mallorca is one of the traditional foods of the Balearic Islands, recognized with Protected Geographical Indication. Isn’t it a perfect plan to take a route through the flowering almond trees in Mallorca and end with a tasty tasting?