We believe this almond to be same almond Gillet published in his catalogs as 'Grosse Tendre or known also as 'Improved Languedoc.' Translating as 'Big Tender' Gillet wrote that it is "A soft shelled nut above medium in size, recently imported from the province of Languedoc in southern France; as hardy as the Languedoc." This plump, little, heirloom nut can be removed easily from it's shell and eaten by the handful. Almond trees love to be planted with at least one other almond tree variety to increase pollenization. They are one of the earliest trees to bloom and consequently subject to freezing out, especially at higher elevations. They are beautiful trees and the blossoms are a lovely pink to white.

The mother tree is growing on a small property in Nevada City, about 1/2 mile from Gillet’s Barren Hill Nursery. The property is now well cared for and contains multiple Gillet era trees. Nevada City was the center of the Gold Rush Northern mines, the social and financial hub. Once the capitol of the territory of Nevada, it is still a thriving, beautiful town primarily surviving on the heritage of its mining history. The beauty of the place is, in part, a result of the efforts of Gillet and his successor Charles Parsons, who provided thousands of food and ornamental plants that give Nevada City its botanical diversity. Few residents are aware that the most significant nurserymen of the West operated his nursery on Aristocracy Hill for more than 40 years, followed by the Parsons for another 60 years. We believe these almonds will be productive at all sites below 2500 feet where there is minimal spring frost damage. Higher elevations require an excellent air drainage site, and may produce crops infrequently, although the tree and blossoms will be beautiful.