Around the world, people seem to be eating over 1,000 percent more almonds from California than what they used to consume a decade ago. In 2014, almonds became the state's top export crop, with much of the demand coming from the middle class in China.

In California, rows of almond trees are grown in almost one million acres of land, most of which were previously virgin hillsides. There are also those that grow in pastures or desert where there is little rain or locally-sourced water.

As California enters its fourth year of drought, it imposes its first mandatory water cutbacks that should be observed by cities and towns all throughout the state. Eventually, it led to a statewide debate on almond crops' use of water and its agricultural significance, which are paramount to the state's giant economy.

"There has been a huge expansion of almonds," said Tom Stokely of the California Water Impact Network. "As we speak, there are yet more almond orchards being planted. In many cases the farmers are planting them in areas of low water supply so groundwater is being over-drafted."

Almonds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, calcium and potassium. They are also thought to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and decreasing the feeling of hunger, which is important for those who are watching their weight.

Almond milk, which is a mixture of ground nuts and water, has no lactose or cholesterol. Since it is classified as a plant food, it is one of the food preferences among vegetarians, vegans and those who are not keen on dairy products.

It is said that one tiny almond would need a single gallon of water. In California, the nuts are consuming an annual amount of 1.07 trillion gallons of water, which is one-fifth higher than what most California families use indoors.

Now, the state has varying opinions on the nuts' alleged exemption from a statewide order released by Gov. Jerry Brown this month, which directed cities and towns to observe a 25 percent cut in their water consumption. The nuts even earned a number of monikers from the local media, such as "drought villains" (Los Angeles Times), "almond-shaming" (Sacramento TV) and "a rogue's gallery" of water users (National Public Radio).

Of course, almond farmers and investors defended the crop and even named tomato growers as the ones who use more water.

"The tomato growers use a lot more water than we do," said Ryon Paton, a global real estate developer and principal of Trinitas Partners. "You should go after those guys." 

Photo:  Abd allah Foteih I Flickr