Rainwater is all the almond trees get. This dry-farming method tends to produce almonds of much more intense flavor. Although the size of the fruit is smaller and the yield per acre is lower, the orchard is more sustainable. Dry farming conserves the critical resource of water. Water conservation is an issue that's going to become even more critical in the 21st century.
Nuts are a wonderful source of protein.
In times of war, people have been known to survive on nuts as a durable, high protein alternative to meat. There have been some studies that show replacing meat protein, with protein from nuts, helps to lower cholesterol. Almonds in particular are low in saturated fats. Saturated fats can be a contributing factor in heart disease. In one ounce of almonds there are 15.4 grams of fat.