Walnuts are probably among the most common types of nuts around. Thus, if you think of nuts, walnuts are among the options that will come to mind. But, you may notice that they can be pretty expensive. So, it may make you wonder:
Why are walnuts so expensive? Walnuts are so expensive mainly because of the high demand but with only a little supply. Walnuts are also expensive since they take years to mature, require intensive farming, grow in a specific environment, and have extra costs for their processing.
Walnuts may not be the most expensive type of nut around. However, if you’re on a budget, you may have considered other alternatives since it’s a bit costly. Still, if you need walnuts, you need to learn their value to see if it is worth your money.
In this article, you’ll read our top six reasons walnuts are so expensive. This way, you can learn about its value and see if it’s worth paying for, especially when on a budget.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Are walnuts expensive?
Yes, walnuts are expensive, and it’s due to several reasons. However, the main reason these nuts are expensive is the high demand with low supply.
Further, what makes these nuts more expensive is the specific environment the trees need and the length of time it takes to grow and mature.
In short, walnuts are so expensive, but it’s due to the high value of these nuts. Thus, if you’re on a budget, you may want to learn more about the price.
Why are walnuts so expensive?
Here are six common reasons why walnuts can be so expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can look at each of these reasons to understand the value of walnuts.
Long Maturity
Walnuts, like other nuts, originate from trees and are the nuts, seeds, or fruits of the plant that are harvested.
It usually takes 8 to 10 years for a tree to reach full maturity before producing fruits and nuts. Therefore, this is a massive commitment of time on the part of the tree.
Intensive Labor and Farming
After a decade, farmers hope to make a return on a patch of land they have left for walnut cultivation. A great deal of work has been involved in keeping the plant alive and healthy during this decade.
However, in the case of a walnut orchard, fertilization, irrigation, and weeding activities need to continue regardless of whether you can produce walnuts or anything else there.
Difficult Harvesting
After the plants have been growing for a decade, they are huge when they start to produce fruits and nuts. However, climbing the trees and picking the fruits requires effort.
While some countries have robust machinery for harvesting walnuts, most countries still harvest walnuts by hand. Further, there are costs associated with manual labor, and it can also be slower than harvesting with a machine.
Sorting, Grading, and Packing
When the walnuts have been harvested, they need to be sorted, graded, and packaged. Indeed, this does not add a lot to the cost, but it does add a small amount.
High Demand with Low Supply
Another thing that makes walnuts expensive is that the demand for such increases despite the low supply. Thus, the price gets higher.
Environment Requirements
Last but not least, walnut trees require a specific environment. Walnut trees do not grow everywhere in the world.
Additionally, trees require some cold weather to grow, making them difficult to grow in tropical countries.
Why are black walnuts so expensive?
Black walnuts are so expensive because they are much healthier than regular walnuts.
Compared to English walnuts, black walnuts contain higher antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other health-promoting compounds.
These benefits may include preventing cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases, among others.
How much do walnuts cost?
The cost of a walnut depends on how much you’ll buy. In general, a single bag of walnut can cost around $6 per pound if you’re buying around one to five pounds.
If you’re buying six to ten pounds, you can get it for a lower $5.8. If you get more than eleven pounds, you can spend around $5.6 per pound.
In short, you can enjoy walnuts at a lesser price if you’re buying in bulk. However, it’s ideal for getting small amounts, especially when you don’t need much.
Are walnuts worth the money?
Yes, walnuts are worth the money, but only when you need such for a specific recipe or dish. It’s also worth your money if you’re into health benefits.
The walnut is an exceptionally nutritious nut. These nuts possess higher antioxidant activity and significantly more healthy omega-3 fats than any other type of nut.
Besides having a rich nutrient profile, walnuts also boast several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving the risk factors associated with heart diseases.
Why are walnuts so popular?
Walnuts are so popular because of their health benefits. Generally speaking, these nuts have higher antioxidant levels than any typical nut. They are also significant sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are thought to be good for your health.
The high nutritional content in walnuts contributes to the many health benefits of walnuts, including reduced inflammation and improved risk factors associated with heart disease.
Summary
In a nutshell, a large part of the reason walnuts are so expensive is that there is a high demand for them but a limited supply. In addition, due to their long maturation period, intensive farming, specific environment, and additional processing costs.
Walnuts are not the most expensive nut around. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may have considered other alternatives since it’s a bit expensive. However, you need to know the value of walnuts before buying them to determine if they are worth your money.
Also Read:
- Why Are Chestnuts So Expensive?
- Why Are Almonds So Expensive?
- Why Are Pecans So Expensive?
- Why Are Hazelnuts So Expensive?
Resources
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