The story almond blossom

The almond blossom in Mallorca and Ibiza is for many the most magical time of year. Normally happening between the beginning of January and the middle of February, it signifies the rebirth and the coming of spring. A delicate mantle of pink and white extends throughout the countryside, bathing the islands with a beautiful and dazzling bed of snow.

According to one of a few delightful stories, a long long time ago on the islands there reigned a young king, who fell in love and married a beautiful girl, daughter of a great lord from the North.

Their love was mutual, and the marriage was celebrated in grand style. However, the beautiful princess grew sadder day by day, with nobody able to make her smile. They consulted magicians and wise men from all over the world, but none could find a cure for her sadness, until one day an old Nordic man told the king that the princess was longing for the white snow-covered fields of her homeland.

Spain is the world's second largest producer of almonds, accounting for 13% of the global supply. Production on the islands increased dramatically in the nineteenth century after traditional olive groves and orange trees were blighted by disease. Almonds were a highly valued commodity and a fundamental source of income to many families as recently as the 1960s.

These days many thousands of trees in Ibiza and Mallorca go completely untouched. On the trees last year's husks rot away from the nut while the tree is blooming. Eventually the nuts themselves fall to the ground to feed the local wildlife.

Since the times of Ancient Egypt, almond oil has always been a popular ingredient in lotions and potions, being a wonderful emollient which helps keep the skin healthy and protected from dryness.

At bodhana we have been using natural organic almond oil for our massages and treatments for over 18 years, with amazing results and very positive feedback.

Photos: Prem Shakura, Chetana and unknown. Text: Chetana Annette.