An ideal terroir for almonds to thrive
Palestine has long been fertile ground for almonds, where they have played a central role in Palestinian agriculture for centuries. We source a variety called Om al-Fahem from Canaan, who are supplied by village co-ops in the Jenin and Tubas governorates.
The history of a new sustainable variety of almonds
The story of Om al-Fahem almonds is said to begin with Hassan Assa’ad, an agronomist who identified this remarkable variety during his travels in Syria around the early 20th century. Hassan was drawn to this almond not only for its resilience but also for its large size, soft shell, superior taste, and crunchy texture. He brought it back to his hometown, Om al-Fahem, a Palestinian city now located on the Israeli side of the Green Line, bordering the West Bank, just 20 km from Jenin. This area in Northern Palestine has long been recognised for its favourable climate, with mild winters, warm summers, and fertile soil—perfect conditions for almond cultivation.
Propagating the new almonds
After planting several trees, local farmers quickly noticed the high quality of these almonds. Their superior flavour and size set them apart from other varieties, and it wasn’t long before this new strain gained popularity among farmers in the region. To adapt the new variety to local conditions, farmers employed a well-established practice of grafting it onto existing rain-fed rootstock. This method enhances the trees’ resilience, ensuring a more robust and sustainable crop.
Grafting involves joining two plants so they grow as one. In this case, farmers grafted the new variety onto the rootstock of a rain-fed bitter almond tree—a hardy and drought-resistant species. The rootstock provided the necessary strength, while the grafted almond variety formed the upper part of the tree, producing luxuriously large, buttery almonds.
Om al-Fahem almonds today
The popularity of these almonds continues to grow, especially among farmers in the West Bank who have embraced sustainable farming practices to ensure minimal environmental impact while maximising yield and quality. Harvesting typically occurs in late summer when the almonds are hand-picked to ensure that only the best fruits are selected. This labour-intensive process is essential to maintaining the highest standards of quality, which local farmers prioritise over quantity. Importantly, the trees are rain-fed, meaning they are not dependent on water tanks or man-made irrigation systems.
Today, almond farming is a cornerstone of the local economy, providing employment to many families, supporting livelihoods, and fostering economic growth in the region. As the Om al-Fahem almond variety spread across Palestine, it became known as either Om al-Fahem or Hassan Assa’ad almonds.
Om al-Fahem almonds are celebrated not only for their sustainability but also for their size, taste, and texture, earning them a Great Taste star in the UK in 2020.
Did you know?
Although commonly referred to as a nut, the almond fruit is a drupe. The edible part that we consume is a seed and not technically a nut!
More about almonds
