California's pistachio industry has been booming, with the state becoming a global powerhouse in pistachio production and export.
Pistachio farming has expanded significantly in recent years, with California now dedicating a large amount of land to this hardy, drought-tolerant crop.
This adaptability to California's fluctuating climate has made pistachios a preferred choice for farmers in the region, where water scarcity and varying precipitation pose challenges for other crops.
As a result, pistachios have become the state's sixth most valuable agricultural commodity, surpassing crops like strawberries and tomatoes.
California, which supplies over a third of the nation's vegetables and the majority of its fruits and nuts, saw its pistachio industry generate nearly $3 billion in revenue last year.
This growth is the outcome of long-term planning, as pistachio trees take years to mature but yield consistent, resilient harvests once established.
According to Zachary Fraser, president of American Pistachio Growers, the recent production boom reflects investments made decades ago.
China is a major export destination for California pistachios, where they are a popular snack, particularly around Lunar New Year. However, domestic demand in the U.S. has also surged as pistachios have become a mainstream snack with various flavours and packaging options, making them widely available across grocery stores.
The shift in consumer habits has helped boost the crop's popularity both domestically and internationally, establishing California as a leader in the global pistachio market.
Source:
AP Image:
VOA
