The almond trees are in bloom!
These trees are the first to flower, heralding the end of winter.
How did the almond tree become established in Provence?
The almond tree is thought to have been planted in Provence by the Greeks and, along with the olive tree, has become the emblem of Provence.
Aix en Provence, a typical town around thirty kilometres from Marseille, has long been the cradle of the almond tree. It was here, moreover, that the famous calisson was born, an almond-based delicacy and an undeniable pleasure for our taste buds.
The almond tree took off in our region in the Middle Ages.
But after the great frost of 1956, its cultivation declined sharply.
Fortunately, for some years now, farmers have been planting this tree again to revive the industry.
Why is the almond tree part of our Provençal landscape?
If the almond tree symbolises Provence, it's because it lives there peacefully for an average of 100 years.
It thrives in a dry, windy climate, needs light and sunshine and thrives in limestone and stony soils.
This explains why our region accounts for 80% of national production.
The small pink, white or pinkish flowers in February give rise to almonds.
Sweet almonds are used in pastries and cosmetics; bitter almonds are used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Farmers harvest fresh almonds in May/June and dried almonds in September/October.
Use of the almond and its oil:
The fruit is used in typical Provençal confectionery (calissons, dragées, nougat) and cosmetics.
Sweet almond oil has been recognised since ancient times for its softening and moisturising properties.
Bitter almonds produce extracts with an intense, distinctive fragrance.
La Licorne soap with sweet almond oil:
If you're looking for that sweet scent of Provence and the benefits of sweet almond oil, we recommend our La Licorne Sweet Almond Oil Soap.
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