Mamra vs regular almonds: what's the difference?

Walk into any dry-fruit shop in India and you will see two very different kinds of almonds, at two very different prices. One is the large, flat, even-coloured almond most of us grew up with. The other is smaller, curved and darker: the Mamra. Here is what sets them apart.

What are Mamra almonds?

Mamra is a traditional almond variety grown in small quantities in regions such as Kashmir, Iran and Afghanistan. It yields far less than the commercial almonds grown on a large scale, and much of the harvest is still sorted by hand. That scarcity is the main reason Mamra costs more.

How to tell them apart

• Shape. Mamra almonds are smaller and curved, slightly hollow on one side, like a little boat. Regular almonds are larger, flatter and very uniform.
• Skin. Mamra skin is darker and more wrinkled. Regular almonds are lighter brown and smoother.
• Taste and texture. Mamra almonds are known for their higher natural oil content, which gives them a richer flavour and a delicate crunch. Regular almonds taste milder and drier.
• Origin. Most of the regular almonds sold in India are imported from California. Mamra comes mainly from Iran, Afghanistan and Kashmir.
• Price. Expect to pay considerably more for Mamra, so buy from a seller you trust.

How to enjoy them

• Soaked overnight. Many families soak a handful of almonds in water overnight and peel them in the morning. Soaking softens them and lets the skin slip off easily.
• In kahwa. Thin slices of Mamra are the classic finish for a cup of Kashmiri kahwa.
• In sweets. Use them in badam milk, kheer or halwa, where their richer flavour really shows.
• Just as they are. A small handful with your evening tea is hard to beat.

Keeping them fresh

The same natural oils that make Mamra almonds taste so good also mean they need a little care. Keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, and move them to the fridge during hot, humid months. If almonds ever smell bitter or sharp, like old oil, they have gone stale and are best thrown away.

Ready to taste the difference? Our Kashmiri Mamra Almonds are carefully selected for their texture and flavour, and they go beautifully with our Kashmiri Saffron.