WANA (Sep 06) – In the bustling spice and nut bazaars of India, among colorful rows of saffron, cashews, and pistachios, one name stands out: Mamra Almonds. Known locally as “Mamra” and cultivated in Iran’s Zagros mountains, this prized variety travels from the orchards of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari to the markets of Delhi and Mumbai, where customers are willing to pay up to $15 per kilogram, making it one of Iran’s most profitable export products.

 

Distinct Qualities Boost Global Appeal

Mamra almonds are highly valued for their unique traits: a sweeter taste, thinner shell, high kernel percentage, minimal fuzz, and long shelf life. These features have not only enriched local farmers but also strengthened Iran’s position in the global dried fruit market. Beyond taste, Indian consumers attribute medicinal properties to the nut, further driving demand.

 

According to Dr. Seyed Asghar Mousavi, a researcher specializing in almonds, the nutritional profile of Mamra almonds is similar to other varieties, but slightly higher fat and sugar content give them a sweeter flavor and greater marketability. He noted that the variety’s long shelf life is linked to its high antioxidant levels, especially alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E), which preserves quality for over two years—much longer than walnuts or pistachios.

Mamra Almond

Mamra almonds typically contain 45–60% oil and 19–21% protein, along with rich levels of potassium and Vitamin E, enhancing both nutritional and medicinal value. The ability to export them in-shell and sell in foreign currency has further boosted their status.

 

Dominance in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari

Other local almond varieties, including Rabee, Shahroodi, and Paper-Shell, are also cultivated, but none rival Mamra in global recognition or profitability.

 

Ebrahim Shirani, director of horticulture at the provincial Agriculture Jihad Organization, said that most orchards in the province grow Mamra and Rabee varieties. Currently, 64 promising new cultivars are under trial, expected to bear fruit within three years. These are late-blooming, cold-resistant, and of higher quality.

 

In Samān County, a key almond-producing region, 70% of orchards are planted with Mamra, according to local agricultural officials.

 

Why Is Mamra Almond So Expensive?

Shirani explained that Mamra’s premium price stems from its high sugar content, sweeter taste, thinner shell, single-kernel structure, and durability—all highly valued in India. A newly introduced cultivar, “Pouya,” with even higher kernel yield and thinner shells, has begun fetching higher prices than standard Mamra.

Mamra Almond

Globally, Mamra almonds sell for about $15 per kilogram, while in Iran’s domestic market, de-shelled kernels can exceed 1 million tomans per kilogram. Export value is largely determined by kernel size—the larger the almond, the higher the international demand.

 

Record-Breaking Yields and Export Growth

Hossein Bahrami, head of the provincial Agriculture Jihad Organization, reported that the average yield of Mamra almonds is around 2 tons per hectare, though some scientifically managed orchards have achieved an unprecedented 8 tons per hectare. From the province’s total harvest, about 10,000 tons of kernels are produced annually, potentially generating $500 million in foreign exchange earnings.

 

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari currently has 8 million almond trees, providing jobs for over 10,000 people. Modern irrigation systems have improved both quality and yield, while exports remain a key driver of non-oil revenue for Iran.

Mamra Almond

Mozhafar Rabiei, head of the provincial customs office, said that in the first four months of this year, 488 tons of almonds worth $5.5 million were exported. Last year, exports reached 2,500 tons valued at $28 million, marking a 22% year-on-year increase.

 

Iran’s Leading Almond Producer

With 20,000 hectares of almond orchards—15,000 of them productive—Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari ranks first in Iran for almond production, yielding around 30,000 tons annually. The province also hosts 16 certified nurseries with a combined capacity of over 2 million saplings, supporting further expansion.

 

Experts emphasize that with continued scientific support, market diversification, and targeted global marketing, Mamra almonds can maintain their role as Iran’s “crown jewel” of dried fruit exports, securing the Zagros region’s share in the international market.