Crisp, slightly sweet and incredibly versatile, there’s little wonder why almonds have become an immensely popular ingredient. Baking Business caught up with South Australian-based Century Orchards to hear about just what it takes to take an almond from the orchard to the plate.

Where and how was Century Orchards first established?

Century Orchards was established following the successful development of Jubilee Almonds at Overland Corner [north-east of Adelaide]. The initial planting commenced in 1998 with 100 hectares of wine grapes. In 1999, almond plantings began with 133 hectares, followed by 183 hectares in 2000, and 126 hectares in 2001. An additional 98 hectares of almonds were planted between 2002 and 2011. In 2016, the wine grapes were removed, and 60 hectares of almonds were planted.

In 2019, additional land was acquired, and a further 100 hectares of almonds were planted between 2020 and 2022, bringing the total almond plantings to 700 hectares. In 2022, Century Orchards diversified by planting 50 hectares of pistachios. An additional 50 hectares of pistachios were planted between 2023 and 2024.

That’s a huge area! What does this look like in terms of number of trees and the size of the harvest?

Currently, there are 700 hectares of almonds and 100 hectares of pistachios. Our newer almond plantings have a density of 317 trees per hectare. The expansion from 540 hectares to 700 hectares added 50,000 trees. This expansion will result in an additional 600 tonnes of almond kernels being harvested each year once all trees reach maturity. Harvest generally runs from late February to May each year, with each variety harvested at different times during this period

The almond trees at Century Orchards

Can you tell us about the almond varieties you grow? Why were these chosen?

Century Orchards cultivates several varieties of almonds, totalling 14 different varieties. Our primary variety, Non Pareil, constitutes approximately 50 per cent of the orchard’s plantings. Non Pareil is favoured by consumers due to its soft shell. Other varieties, such as Carmel, Peerless, Price, and Monterey, are planted alongside Non Pareil to assist with pollination. Non Pareil requires a pollinator for cross-pollination, a process in which bees transfer pollen from one variety to another during bloom to produce almonds.

Recently, self-fertile varieties have been developed to reduce the industry’s reliance on bees. These varieties have a closed shell and resemble Non Pareil in appearance and taste. At Century Orchards, we have a greater number of varieties than the average grower due to our strong focus on research and development. We assess varieties in a commercial setting before deciding which ones to plant when replanting our orchard.

What does an average day at Century Orchards look like?

An average day at Century Orchards involves a range of activities, from monitoring tree health and growth to managing the irrigation systems and applying fertilizers, water, and crop protectants. Orchard activities vary throughout the season and can include pruning, mulching, spraying, herbiciding, seeding cover crops, and leveling. The team works diligently to maintain the orchard to a high standard, resulting in a successful harvest.

Harvesting is a large undertaking

Can you tell us about the harvest process?

The harvest process at Century Orchards is a well-coordinated effort that involves shaking the almond trees, sweeping the nuts into rows, picking them up, and bunkering them on-site. One main harvest is completed for each variety, followed by a second and even third harvest to ensure any remaining nuts are harvested and to limit carryover, which pests can overwinter in. After bunkering, the harvested product is trucked to our huller, where the hulls and/or shells are removed.

What is something bakers should keep in mind when it comes to using almonds in their products?

When it comes to using almonds in their products, bakers should consider the freshness and quality of Australian almonds. Almonds are highly nutritious with 3.6 g of protein, 13g of “good” fat, 3.5g of fibre with more than 25 vitamins and minerals per 30g serve. Almonds have the highest amount of vitamin E and supports immunity and brain health development.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Century Orchards is committed to sustainable farming practices and producing the highest quality almonds. We are proud of our history, growth, innovation, and the dedication of our team. We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality almonds. Our business is now fully integrated from Land to Hand, with investments in Riverland Almonds Hulling Lindsay Point, our hulling facility, Riverland Almonds Loxton Sorting and Packaging, and Nut Producers Australia Adelaide, our marketing and sales division. Our business strives to be industry leaders.