What's Causing the Drastic Increase in Walnut Prices?

[Intrepid_Chef]

Last year, shelled walnuts were about $2.50 to $3 a pound. This year they're $5 a pound minimum. Did I miss some major crisis in the walnut crop?

 

[Sheila]

(((shrugs shoulders))) Do (or should I say DID) we import them from Japan? If so it could be a result of March 11 and all the contaminated crops in Japan right now.Of course the American Dollar being so weak right now could have an impact if they are coming from any other country who's monetary unit is stronger than the US Dollar.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I never would have thought they'd be imported from there ... but it wouldn't surprise me.All I know is I'm looking for some nut-free alternatives this year.

 

[esavvymom]

I noticed alot of nuts were quite a bit more this year than last year. Last year, I stocked up on pecans/walnuts and such when they were around $8-9 for the big bags that I could get them (1-2 lb?? don't remember). Now, those same bags are closer to $12. Yikes.

 

[babywings76]

I buy them in bulk at Costco. I can't remember the price off-hand, but I know around here it's the cheapest place I've found them.

 

[Bren706]

I was thinking the same thing about the nuts. There is a new BJs wholesale nearby. I might have to check prices there. (or else it looks like I will be cutting nuts out of my recipes for a while) (hanging head low)

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Actually, most walnuts consumed in the US come from California. It was a bad year for walnuts, mostly weather related, and the crop is down. There is also a very high demand for walnuts in China (of all places) driving already high prices even higher.

 

[pampchefrhondab]

All food is going through the roof here in Indiana!

 

[pamperedlinda]

My grandmother owns a pecan orchard, sadly it was a very bad year for pecans here in GA.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I have heard about peanut butter prices going up, but the word on the walnuts was silent. Have only noticed a slight increase in pecan prices so far, not that much more than walnuts but not enough to justify switching to them. I have a nephew with an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts and for that reason don't use stones to bake for their family. But they are included in two of my holiday staples (russian tea cookies and 7 Layer Bars. Tried to make the first without nuts and they were a dismal failure, and thinking the same would go for the 7 layer bars.

 

[pampered1224]

want cheap nuts? Just walk out the front door! There are a ton of them walking around! Just a remembrance of my grandmother who thought everyone but her was crazy! Funny thing, crazy people are my best friends! The sane ones are just to boring!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

We're all here because we're not all there.

 

[minirottie]

I went to get a 5lb bag of pistachios and it was $10.78 at Wally world, which I thought was way more than I thought it would be. I know peanut prices are going up

 

[chefa]

I payed $32 for a 5 lb. bag of Texas pecans here about a month ago. The reason? Drought, drought & more drought! I can give up other non-essential stuff like lunch, but not my pecans!

 

[Bren706]

I buy them in bulk at Costco. I can't remember the price off-hand, but I know around here it's the cheapest place I've found them.

I was thinking the same thing about the nuts. There is a new BJs wholesale nearby. I might have to check prices there. (or else it looks like I will be cutting nuts out of my recipes for a while) (hanging head low)

I did purchase a 2 lb bag of walnuts at BJs this week for $10.99. I saw a 6 oz bag at the local grocery store going for $6.99, and then a 8 oz. bag at Walmart for $6.99.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

My local Marcs has them for $5. I think I'm going to check to see exactly how much I need before I buy more. Hate to quibble over $2 but it's annoying.

 

[ShellBeach]

I just read an article about the Georgia pecan crop, Chinese buying pecans from USA, and pecan farmers having to hire security to stop people from stealing their crops:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/11/24/3549675/crop-shortages-are-making-pecans.html

 

[pampchefrhondab]

I read the same article. It will be a sad day when the Chinese will be able to afford to buy our pecans and we won't.I also heard coffee prices are going to go through the roof. They said the once cheap beverage will be a luxury drink. So depressing!