What you should know about the almond blossom in Mallorca
When it comes to the splendor of the almond blossom, Mallorca is not only a hotspot in Spain, but also a leader in Europe. When can you see them and where are the best spots? We give answers to the most important questions about the winter highlight of the Balearic Islands.
From the end of January, seven million almond trees will start blooming in Mallorca
Quelle: pa/prisma/Kreder Katja
What is there to see?
When it’s still the dead of winter here, the buds are exploding on Mallorca. The Germans’ favorite island is transformed into a sea of pink and white. Seven million almond trees are in bloom – sometimes against a deep blue sky in large plantations, sometimes as loners in an overgrown garden. Sometimes in front of the snowy peaks of the Tramuntana mountains, sometimes in front of old mansions and castle ruins. Sometimes in villages next to grazing sheep, sometimes on side roads with crooked stone walls.
When it comes to the splendor of the almond blossom, Mallorca is not only a hotspot in Spain, but also a leader in Europe. In addition to the sheer number of trees, the varieties also contribute – there are about 200 of them on Mallorca, the very high-quality Larguetta being the most commonly grown.
Each variety has specific characteristics, which also differ in the size of the flowers and the color tones. So whether they bloom white or pink and what pink is a question of the variety; this has nothing to do with the difference between sweet and bitter almonds.
When is the almond blossom season?
As a rule, flowering starts at the end of January at a pleasant 15 to 20 degrees. Usually first in the plains in the interior of the island, a little later in the Tramuntana mountains in the colder north-west.
Each almond tree variety has specific characteristics – this is also reflected in the different size of the blossoms and their color tones
Source: pa/Jochen Tack
In addition to the region, the weather also plays an important role – in hard winters the spectacle is postponed, in extremely rare, very hard winters it sometimes fails due to devastating late frosts. If you want to be absolutely sure, it is best to come to the peak of the flowering period, which lasts several weeks, in mid-February – then the seven million tree models will show themselves in the fullest and most attractive blossom dress.
Where are the most beautiful places on the island?
That also depends on your location. Particularly scenic hotspots are the country road between Andratx and S’Arracó in the southwest, further north the route between Valldemossa and Sollér, in the east the country road between Porto Cristo and Porto Colom, the southeast coast between Cala Figuera and Santanyí and the area around Llucmajor.
Source: Infographic WORLD
A simple but enchanting route starts from Selva and goes to Moscari along many fields covered with “Mallorcan snow”. Many blossoming trees can also be seen on the train ride with the “Red Lightning” between Palma and Sollér, and if you grab a scooter or bicycle, you have the best chances for good photo stops on side roads and dirt roads.
How did the almond come to Mallorca?
In 903, the Moors brought the almond tree from the Orient; since then it has been part of local agriculture like olives and wine. Almonds triumphed on the island in the 19th century.
When a phylloxera plague destroyed a large part of the vines, the farmers increasingly turned to the cultivation of the tasty seeds as an alternative. A decision that made Mallorca one of the largest almond-growing areas in the world up to the middle of the 20th century and that still characterizes the landscape of the Balearic Islands today.
Almost 7,000 tons of almonds are harvested and processed on the island every year
Those: pa/imageBROKER/STELLA
Cultivation, however, is declining: Falling prices, aging trees and fungal infestation are causing problems for producers. Almost 7,000 tons of almonds are harvested and processed on the island every year. Unchanged, however, in the best quality and with a protected designation of origin.
Which specialties should you taste?
The almond is a real miracle food – rich in fat, minerals and vitamins. It is baked in the typical fig bread Pa de Figa and ends up in almond milk, ice cream, chocolate and the popular Mallorcan almond cake Gató de almendra. At Christmas, the superfood comes in turrón, a typical nougat specialty.
Almond cake is one of the specialties that you should definitely try on Mallorca
Quelle: pa/ZB/Jens Kalaene
And it is also highly appreciated internationally: Many confectioners consider the Mallorcan almond to be the best in the world, top chefs use it for appetizers and desserts or in aromatic crusts to gratinate fish and meat. The local almond liqueur Flor d’Amentella also benefits from its intense and fine aroma.
All products that can be bought and tasted everywhere on the island: in bakeries, market halls, cafes, specialty shops. For example, there is excellent almond cake in Palma in the Santa Catalina market in the small bakery Panadería Àngels. In the traditional old town café “Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo” in combination with almond ice cream and hot chocolate. Or in Palma’s probably most famous bakery, Horno Santo Cristo, where guests have been spoiled with the finest traditional pastries since 1910.
More information can be found on the tourism websites of Palma (visitpalma.com/de/), the Balearic Islands (illesbalears.travel/de/mallorca/) and Spain (spain.info/de/region/balearen/).