almonds (बदाम)
About almonds (बदाम)
While almonds are not traditionally grown on a large commercial scale in Nepal due to the country's diverse climate and mountainous terrain, they are increasingly becoming popular and accessible in urban areas. They're usually imported and found in major grocery stores and markets. Nepalese consumers are growing more health-conscious, leading to higher demand for nutrient-dense snacks like almonds. They're consumed as a healthy snack, often included in mixed nuts or trail mixes, and used in various traditional and modern desserts. Their perceived health benefits are driving the increase in consumption. The introduction of almonds in Nepal also reflects the growing global interconnectedness of food markets and changing dietary preferences.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in almonds
Seasonality
Almonds sold in Nepal are generally available year-round since they are mostly imported. The seasonality of almond harvest (which occurs mainly in late summer and early fall in their native regions) does not apply in the context of their availability in Nepal due to the import-driven market. Therefore, you can find almonds in stores throughout the year in Nepal.
History
Almonds do not have a significant history of cultivation in Nepal. Historically, the country's agriculture has focused on crops that are well-suited to its climate and terrain, such as rice, maize, millet, and various fruits and vegetables. Almonds, being native to regions with warmer, drier climates, were not traditionally part of the Nepalese diet or agriculture. Their presence in Nepal is relatively recent, linked primarily to the importation of goods through modern trade networks. The integration of almonds into the Nepalese diet represents an influence of global food trends rather than a local agricultural history. However, there is a small scale cultivation of almond trees in specific regions with suitable climates, although production remains limited. Their presence in the Nepalese market is therefore largely through imports.