The ever rising cost of living is reaching a height beyond what some market analysts had predicted. A true tragedy of this result is the rising cost of staple foods, and healthy alternatives. Some have noted the price of everyday nuts has skyrocketed in the previous decade, with no stagnation occurring. Costing over $10 per pound,healthy nuts are quickly becoming an expensive luxury.
Unfortunately there are a myriad of reasons as to why this is the case. Few of which are preventable. In the previous 20 years nuts have become much more popular. Their high fat content, as well as protein and fiber has been determined to be a healthy snack with tonnes of benefits. Subsequently, demand has risen and costs have to accommodate.
Most nuts are produced in California, which has been subjected to numerous droughts, limiting the yield. Serious costs and labor are associated with nuts, because of their limited growth. Trees are more susceptible to drought conditions, and costs for mass production are increasing.
Labor is a serious problem associated with nuts. Most require significant cleaning or manipulation in order to be edible for the masses. Almonds come in hard shells, which require significant effort to extract the food. Cashews are covered in a acidic poisonous liquid upon growth, and need proper cleaning in order to be edible. I don’t know how anyone figured that out safely. Oh and you know how the bee population is ‘ironically’ dropping and nobody seems to care? Well they are responsible for almond pollination so you had better start caring.
In contrast, peanuts are incredibly cheap. But why you ask? Peanuts are an annual crop, and are grown underground. Legumes, unlike the standard almonds, and walnuts which grow on trees, are less effected by weather, can grow in all kinds of climates, and have a higher yield. This is a significant factor, as they are not as location dependent, can grow more per square foot, and are less labor intensive. As most nuts are grown in California, and are exported, the costs associated with nuts are likely to continue. Because of space constraints, and lower yields, don’t expect the nuts you purchase at the grocery store to become any cheaper.
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