Knowing Nuts

I’m an agricultural appraiser in Bakersfield who happens also to be an enthusiastic eater. I enjoyed the article on almonds (and walnuts) very much, since that is a specialty of my appraisal (“Nutty Days,” Nov. 3). But I have to point out that although almonds are closely related to peaches, plums and apricots, walnuts are not. They are related to pecans and hickory nuts.

Furthermore, I would bet against next year’s almond crop matching--much less exceeding--this year’s crop. Almonds have a strong history of a three-year cycle, with a high year followed by two somewhat lower years. What is true--and you are right to point it out--is that production will continue to increase over the next decade and increase big. We will probably have our first billion-pound crop within four years.

WILL HUTCHINSON

Bakersfield