The Difference Between Kashmiri Almonds & Regular Almonds

Almonds are a prized dry fruit in most parts of the world for their pleasant flavour, countless health benefits, and diverse culinary uses. You can eat them raw or make them a part of your desserts or even regular cuisine to amplify their flavours and make them healthier at the same time.

When buying almonds, most people usually go for regular almonds or California almonds. This region is known to commercially produce 49 varieties of almonds that are exported globally.

However, there is another very unique, 100% naturally grown, and delicious variety of almonds known as Kashmiri almonds that most people are not aware of.

But what is so special about these almonds, and how are they different from regular almonds? This is what this blog is all about, so keep on reading till the end.

• What are Kashmiri Almonds?
• What are Regular Almonds?
• Kashmiri VS Regular Almonds: What’s the Difference?
• Origins and Farming Practices
• Physical Features
• Flavor
• Nutritional Comparison
• Prices and availability

What are Kashmiri Almonds?

Kashmiri almonds, especially the Kashmiri mamra almonds, are the tastiest and healthiest almond variety you can find. These almonds are known for their rich flavour and a more chewy texture, which you don’t find in regular almonds.  

Kashmiri almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain healthy oils and proteins that keep you nourished.

The best part about these almonds is that they are grown using traditional and non-commercial methods, which leads to their superior nutritional profile as compared to regular almonds. These almonds are prepared using organic methods, which lead to lower yields but greater overall benefits for your health.

What are Regular Almonds?

This is a very common variety of almonds that hails from the California region of the USA. These almonds are grown commercially using highly industrialized, large-scale farming methods. These almonds feature a milder taste and a crispier texture.

High-end machines are used to harvest these almonds, and these are often pasteurized (heated to a specific temperature) to kill bacteria and pathogens. Though pasteurization improves the shelf life of the almonds, it reduces their nutritional value.

The commercial production of these almonds increases their availability and leads to lower prices compared to rare Kashmiri almonds. 

Kashmiri VS Regular Almonds: What’s the Difference?

Kashmiri and regular almonds differ in their taste, cultivation methods, appearance, and texture. This also has a great influence on their culinary and medicinal uses.

The following are some major differences between Kashmiri and regular almonds that you need to know.

1. Origins and Farming Practices

Kashmiri almonds hail from the exotic Kashmir valley, where a mix of temperate climate, rich soil, and clean air ensures every kernel has the best flavour. These almonds are farmed using organic methods, and their harvesting is also done by hand. This makes sure every nut is pure, clean, and pesticide-free. 

Regular almonds mainly come from California and, UAE, which is the largest global producer of these nuts. Estimates suggest that this region produces more than 80% of the global almond supply.

Regular almonds are produced using modern irrigation systems and industrialized farming methods. Commercial harvesting techniques are used to collect these almonds, which affects their nutrient density negatively. These almonds are further pasteurized by heating to remove bacteria and enhance their shelf life.

2. Physical Features

Kashmiri almonds are dark brown, and their surface tends to be rougher. These almonds are elongated, and they feature a more compact and narrow form

Regular almonds come in a light brown color with a clear and polished surface. These almonds have a more uniform shape. They also tend to be slightly bigger and plumper than Kashmiri almonds.

3. Flavor

Kashmiri almonds are known for their intense, earthy or nutty flavor. Every kernel of these nuts has a rich taste with a crunchy texture. This makes your every bite a sweet and savoury delight. The robust flavor of Kashmiri nuts makes them an ideal ingredient in traditional Indian culinary items.

On the other hand, regular almonds have a soft texture with a very mild sweet taste. The light flavor of these almonds is what makes them a perfect ingredient for countless baking and cooking recipes. These almonds are also used to make almond milk and butter, which is a key ingredient in most vegan diets.

4. Nutritional Comparison

Both regular and Kashmiri almonds have impressive nutritional profiles. However, the nutrient density of the latter is a little higher. Kashmiri almonds possess a higher concentration of proteins and antioxidants as compared to regular almonds.

This can be attributed to the pollution-free climate, pesticide-free soil, and organic cultivating and harvesting practices that are used to produce these almonds.

Both of these almonds, however, are equally rich in vitamin E, fiber, and monounsaturated healthy fats.

5. Prices and availability

The manual farming and harvesting of these almonds lead to their limited production. This creates a huge demand and supply gap, which leads to much higher prices of this commodity.

Regular almonds are more affordable due to their very high availability. Their production involves high-end machinery and advanced farming methods that are focused on greater yield.

These almonds are sold in raw, blanched, roasted, and ground forms, which increases their culinary applications and public demand.

Conclusion

When choosing between regular and Kashmiri almonds, you have to take several things into account. These almonds differ in terms of their appearance, texture, and flavor.

Kashmiri almonds are grown slowly using natural and organic methods, which imparts a rich flavor and a coarse texture to them. Regular almonds have a lightly sweet flavor and their cultivation is done using heavy machinery. This increases their annual yield but at the same time compromises their flavor and nutritional profiles.

Kashmiri almonds are a perfect choice for health-conscious consumers who want nuts with greater nutrient density and a superior flavor. Regular almonds are perfect for you if you want something affordable to add to your recipes.

You can visit us at Kashmers to check out our premium quality Kashmiri Mamra almonds that are organically produced to give you both an unparalleled flavor and health benefits all in one.