Top 10 Most Expensive Nuts In The World

Nuts are a fascinating aspect of the culinary world, captivating both food enthusiasts and nut connoisseurs alike. These nuts stand out for their unique flavors, exceptional quality, and often limited availability, making them a coveted delicacy.

The high cost of these nuts can be attributed to a combination of factors, including limited cultivation areas, labor-intensive production methods, demand from the food industry, and the overall quality they offer.

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Whether enjoyed on their own as a snack, incorporated into gourmet recipes, or used as ingredients in confectionery, these expensive nuts add a touch of luxury and indulgence to the culinary world, making them highly prized by nut enthusiasts and those with discerning palates.

Here we would like to share with you the top 10 most expensive nuts in the world.

10. Brazil Nuts ($2.8 - $3.5 Per Kg)

Brazil nuts are a remarkable variety of nuts known for their large size, distinctive flavor, and premium price tag. Native to the Amazon rainforest, these nuts are primarily harvested in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.

In addition to their exceptional taste, Brazil nuts are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of selenium, a trace mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant activity and thyroid function.

Brazil nuts are harvested from the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) as it involves extracting the nuts from large, coconut-like pods that fall from the tall trees. The labor-intensive nature of the harvesting process contributes to the higher cost of Brazil nuts.

This nut typically goes for around $2.8 - $3.5 per kg.

9. Hazelnut ($2.8 - $6.3 Per Kg)

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are a beloved nut that carries a distinct flavor and versatility in culinary applications. The unique flavor profile of hazelnuts makes them a prized ingredient in a variety of culinary creations, including confections, baked goods, spreads like Nutella, and savory dishes like salads or roasted vegetables.

Hazelnuts are predominantly grown in regions with specific climatic conditions, such as the Pacific Northwest in the United States, Turkey, and Italy. The cultivation of hazelnut trees requires careful attention to soil quality, temperature, and moisture levels.

The challenges associated with cultivating hazelnuts can impact their availability and contribute to their higher price. The price is roughly $2.8 - $6.3 per kg.

8. Pistachios ($3 - $5 Per Kg)

Pistachios, known for their vibrant green color and distinctive flavor, is one of the most popular and sought-after nuts worldwide. While pistachios are widely enjoyed, certain factors contribute to the premium price associated with these delectable nuts.

Their shells naturally split open when the nuts are ripe. This natural phenomenon poses a challenge during harvesting as it requires the nuts to be carefully handpicked to ensure the shells remain intact.

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Pistachio trees have a long gestation period, often taking six to seven years to bear significant fruit. Moreover, pistachio trees exhibit an alternate bearing pattern, meaning they yield a substantial crop every other year. During "on years," the trees produce a bountiful harvest, while "off years" result in a significantly reduced yield.

You can get some pistachios for $3 - $5 per kg.

7. Chestnuts ($4 - $6 Per Kg)

Chestnuts, often associated with the holiday season and cozy winter evenings, are versatile and beloved nuts. Unlike many other nuts that fall freely from trees, chestnuts are enclosed in prickly husks that require careful handling during collection. 

Each chestnut must be individually removed from its husk, which requires meticulous attention to avoid damaging the nuts. The window of time for collecting ripe chestnuts is limited, which can impact the overall supply and increase the price. Additionally, chestnuts are perishable and have a relatively short shelf life.

Chestnuts are versatile in cooking, used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as stuffings, soups, pastries, and desserts. You can obtain some for $4 - $6 per kg.

6. Pecan (>$6 Per Kg)

Pecan nuts, known for their rich, buttery flavor and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, are considered one of the more expensive nuts in the culinary world. Pecan trees require specific growing conditions to thrive. 

They are primarily cultivated in regions with a warm climate, such as the southern United States, Mexico, and certain parts of South Africa and Australia. Pecans have a unique husk and shell structure that requires careful and meticulous processing during harvesting. The husks must be removed, and the shells cracked to extract the nutmeat.

Some pecan cultivars, such as the highly regarded "Western Schley" or "Stuart," are known for their exceptional flavor and larger nut size. These premium cultivars often command higher prices due to their superior taste and desirability.

The price can go for more than $6 per kg depending on its variety.

5. Almonds ($5 - $7 Per Kg)

Almonds, with their delicate flavor and numerous health benefits, are among the most popular nuts worldwide. Almonds come in various varieties, and certain premium or specialized types can be more expensive due to their unique qualities. 

For example, the Italian "Avola" almonds or the Spanish "Marcona" almonds are highly regarded for their superior taste, texture, and larger size. Other than that, organic almonds, grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are typically pricier than conventionally grown almonds.

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The meticulous organic farming practices, additional certification processes, and potentially lower yields contribute to the higher cost of organic almonds. Almonds being a popular nut amongst vegans can go as high as $7 per kg.

4. Walnuts ($5 - $9 Per Kg)

While walnuts are generally more accessible than some other premium nuts, there are factors that can contribute to the higher price of certain varieties or grades of walnuts. Premium grades, such as "extra-light" or "light," which have larger, uniform-sized kernels with a lighter color, are often priced higher. 

These premium-grade walnuts are sought after for their superior taste, texture, and appearance. Walnut trees require a certain amount of chilling hours during winter and warm summers to produce a good crop.

Walnuts are known for their nutritional value, being a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The growing awareness of the health benefits associated with walnuts has increased their demand, potentially influencing their price.

Walnuts generally sell for around $5 - $9 per kg.

3. Cashew Nuts ($6 - $9 Per Kg)

Cashew nuts are renowned for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture. Cashews have a unique structure that sets them apart from other nuts. They are enclosed in a thick, toxic shell, known as the cashew apple, which must be carefully removed. 

The shell contains a corrosive substance that requires specialized processing techniques to extract the edible nut inside. Cashews are available in different grades based on factors such as size, color, and quality. 

Higher grades, such as "W-320" (meaning 320 nuts per pound), typically command higher prices due to their larger size, more consistent appearance, and overall better quality. The price typically goes for $6 - $9 per kg.

2. Macadamia Nuts ($10 - $20 Per Kg)

Macadamia nuts are widely recognized as one of the most expensive and luxurious nuts in the world. Macadamia trees are native to Australia, but they are now grown in other regions, including Hawaii, South Africa, and parts of Central and South America. 

The cultivation of macadamia trees requires specific climatic conditions, such as a warm and subtropical climate with well-drained soil. Macadamia nuts are notoriously labor-intensive to cultivate and harvest. The trees are slow-growing and take several years to reach full production.

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On top of that, Macadamia trees have a relatively low yield compared to other nut trees. Due to all these factors, Macadamia Nuts will cost relatively high compared to other nuts with some going up to $20 per kg.

1. Pine Nuts ($36.75 Per Kg)

Pine nuts, also known as pignoli or piñon nuts, are a culinary delicacy known for their delicate flavor and buttery texture. Pine nuts are the edible seeds found within the cones of various pine tree species. 

Harvesting pine nuts is a labor-intensive process as the cones need to be collected, dried, and carefully processed to extract the small nut kernels inside. Pine nuts are primarily harvested from specific pine tree species grown in certain regions, including the Mediterranean, the southwestern United States, and certain parts of Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in recipes such as pesto sauce, salads, baked goods, and savory dishes. Depending on the type of Pine nuts, some are as high as $36.75 per kg making it the most expensive nut in the world.

Source:

• Selina Wamucii

• Tridge

Also read: Top 5 Most Expensive Mangoes In The World