Almond Varieties and Uses

Nonpareil
This variety is most important to California because of its high productivity and a high demand for it across the world. It has a great nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. The medium sized kernel makes it ideal for many uses. Nonpareils have a thin shell that gives them high crack out percentages and makes them easy to crack with hands. Cosmetically, they have a very appealing look with their light brown skin and sharp shape.

Neplus
This variety is used primarily for manufactured products. It is a large nut with a dark brown skin. Neplus is important as a variety because it’s an early and great pollenizer for Nonpareil. It has a large soft shell.

Carmel
Next to Nonpareil, Carmel could be the second most important nut. They are highly productive when young and develop a high quality nut. The kernel tends to be large, long and a darker shade of brown, sometimes even resembling a Nonpareil. Carmel’s demand is increasing and so are its total bearing acres.

Peerless
This variety is sold primarily as in-shell product. It has a very attractive bisque colored shell that is hard, so damage is minimal during harvest. Since the shell is so hard this variety is seldom shelled out to be sold in kernel form. The kernel is darker brown and small but has a great nutty taste to it. The majority of people who buy Peerless use it as décor so demand is highest during holiday season.

Price
This is another popular variety. It tends to rear small nuts but can also produce larger ones that resemble a Nonpareil with a darker skin. The shell of a Price is also darker than that of a Nonpareil. The kernel has a slight bitter/nutty taste to it.

Butte
This variety resembles a small Peerless but has a slightly softer shell. The kernels, typically, are very small and, many times, are marketed together with the Padre variety because of their close resemblance and taste. The taste tends to be on the bitter side.

Sonora
This variety is typically one of the largest in terms of kernel size. It is long, smooth and light colored. All these attributes are considered very positive characteristics. It also carries a great nutty taste and crunchy consistency. The shell is large but thin like a Nonpareil.

Monterey
This is a highly productive variety that bears larger long kernels with a rather dark skin. The shell is large, soft and light in color but well sealed.

Aldrich
This variety produces a plump, medium-sized nut that tends to be on the darker side. The shell is also plump and medium-hard.