Los Vélez and Alto Almanzora: organic, rain-fed almond production
These two counties in the north of Almería are recognised for having one of the largest productions of rain-fed almonds, a high-quality fruit that is largely organically grown. Its environmental concern goes much further, as the Alvelal association, which promotes regenerative agriculture criteria and whose purpose includes recovering culture, landscape and soil quality, has instilled very advanced sustainability guidelines in farmers. The Almond Museum, in María, the ten routes of the almond trees in bloom and the gastronomic days fill a trip that offers much more than you can imagine with plenty of joy.
Chirivel, in theLos Velez region, is the world capital of organic almonds. Along with this small municipality, the rest of the towns that make up the region —Maria, Velez Blanco and Velez Rubio — and Alto Almanzora are the three fundamental pillars of the production of this precious product, the basis of Almeria's rich gastronomy. These two territories have exceptional natural spaces, such as the Sierra de María and Los Vélez Natural Park and the Sierra de los Filabres. In total, they add up to an area of 57,000 hectares, comprising almost all dry land although irrigation is increasing.
Marcona, comuna, largueta, guara, felipa, lauranne, garrigues... these are some of the most common varieties that grow in Almeria. In María, in the mountain heart of Los Vélez, you can find the Cereal and Almond Museum, two foods that are essential for the economy and gastronomy of the north of the Almeria province and very present in all traditional cookbooks. The centre displays utensils for almond cultivation and harvesting, such as bales, sticks, peeling machines and different types of almonds. It also shows the great variety of sweets and local products made with almonds. This fruit, which has accompanied the inhabitants of these mountains since ancient times, found its maximum exponent during the Andalusian period, which lasted in this area after the occupation of Granada.
From the urban aspect, while in Los Vélez there is a perfect symbiosis between stately architecture of enormous monumentality, and the most popular aspect, with outstanding examples such as the Los Fajardo Castle or the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish; in Almanzora and Los Filabres, the building simplicity is overwhelming, reminding us in many cases of the most beautiful Alpujarra architecture.
And with the end of winter, the almond trees wrap themselves under the blanket of their white flower. In Filabres, as in other enclaves in the north of Almeria, hiking trails are organised, where you can enjoy a landscape that is always relaxing, to the point of being spiritual. And to enjoy these towns with a distinct Andalusian flavour, which preserve an irresistible urban layout, accent and hospitality, there is nothing better than taking part in their Almond Gastronomic Days. By the way, along the routes in flower, you can find tastings of virgin olive oil and honey, and in Olula de Castro, a nougat with the most amazing almonds. Sweeten your life!
