Pistachios last year generated nearly $3bn for California, where they can grow in desert-like conditions. The trendy green nut is drought-resistant and sustainable – making it appealing to farmers and consumers alike Pistachios have long polarized the world’s taste buds – the flavor is bold, nothing like the subtlety of an almond or a walnut. You either love them or hate them. But one side of the pistachio debate appears to be reigning supreme. Pistachios were named nut of the year in 2023 , unsurprising to anyone who had an eye on pop culture. Pistachio is now a popular flavor of latte. Pistachio butter and cream became food trends on social media. Vibrant pistachio green even made several appearances on the runway, with fashion designers being inspired by the unique, earthy hue. The rise of the pistachio in the US can be attributed to California. Pistachios generated nearly $3bn last year for the state, which ranks the nut at number six in value out of the over 400 agricultural commodities grown in the state. Owing almost entirely to California farmers, the US has surpassed Iran, where the nut is native, in the last decade to become the world’s top exporter of pistachios. The reason behind the rise is less complicated than you might guess; pistachios are sustainable. California droughts have been a persistent problem for several years, but pistachios have offered a silver lining. The nuts are drought-resistant because the trees have deeper roots that can better withstand periods of limited water availability. “The weather is ideal for pistachios,” said Zachary Fraser, the president and CEO of American Pistachio Growers. “There’s only like two or three places in the entire world where that is the case.” California’s southern Central valley is a particularly popular spot for pistachio farming. The […]