How Almonds Went From Deadly To Delicious
In a new study, researchers pinpoint the genetic mutation that transformed almonds from toxic and bitter to tasty and sweet.
almonds
Watch This Native Pollinator Build Her Bee-Jeweled Nest
Research shows that 400 female blue orchard bees are as effective at pollinating almonds as the more than 10,000 bees in a honeybee hive. But they reproduce slowly and are prone to wandering.
What Chinese Tariffs Targeting American Crops Will Mean For Farmers
Newly announced Chinese tariffs will raise prices on many U.S. crops. How will that affect American farmers? NPR's Mary Louise Kelley spoke with Jim Zion, a Californian nut distributor, to find out.
The Price Of Almonds May Have Met A Slippery Slope
High almond prices led many California growers to put in new plantings in recent years. Too many, it seems: Oversupply has helped push prices down by about 20 percent.
Despite The Drought, California Farms See Record Sales In 2014
While the drought has put a strain on California agriculture, its farms actually set a record for total sales — $54 billion — in 2014. How? By pumping more water from their wells.
Salt Is Slowly Crippling California's Almond Industry
California's ongoing drought has forced many almond growers to use groundwater on the thirsty crop. The problem: That water is high in salt, and it's killing almond trees.
What Does 'Raw' Mean? When It Comes To Almonds, You Might Be Surprised
By law, all California almonds must be pasteurized or treated with a fumigant — processes aimed at preventing foodborne illness. But critics say the treatments taint flavor and mislead consumers.
Beyond Almonds: A Rogue's Gallery of Guzzlers In California's Drought
California is parched. Wells are running dry. Vegetable fields have been left fallow and lawns are dying. Who can we blame? From almonds to politicians to cheap water, here are seven candidates.
How Almonds Became A Scapegoat For California's Drought
The relentless drought has turned almonds into a target for water conservationists who bemoan that it takes one gallon of water to grow one almond. Growers say the bad rap is unfair and misleading.
Almonds For Skinny Snackers? Yes, They Help Curb Your Appetite
The nuts are calorie dense and rich in fat, but munching on them seems to help curb appetites, fresh research shows. Why? The protein, unsaturated fat composition and fiber in almonds all very likely play a role.