How much water does food actually need?

When it comes to water consumption in food production, many people think of the avocado first. In fact, it is known for its high water requirements. But did you know that the avocado is not even in the top 10 most water-intensive foods? The water consumption for the production of coffee, cocoa and beef is significantly higher. Let's dive into the world of water-intensive foods and learn more about their actual water consumption.

The true water consumption of food

The amount of water needed to produce our daily food is often much higher than you think. Here are some surprising facts:

• Coffee : Around 21,000 litres of water are needed to produce one kilogram of coffee. Growing the coffee plants and processing the beans is very water-intensive. This is because coffee is grown in tropical regions where the climate is often humid and hot. The beans also have to be processed and dried at great expense.
• Cocoa : Around 27,000 litres of water are used to produce one kilogram of cocoa. Chocolate lovers should be aware of this high water consumption. Cocoa plants grow in similar climatic conditions to coffee and require a lot of water for the growth and production of the cocoa beans.
• Beef : Beef is one of the foods with the highest water consumption. An average of 15,000 liters of water is needed for one kilogram of beef. The water requirement results from feed production, supplying the animals with drinking water and slaughter. A large part of the water is used to grow feed crops such as corn and soy.
• Rice : Rice is a staple food for billions of people worldwide, but it is also very water-intensive. About 2,500 liters of water are needed to produce one kilogram of rice. Rice is often grown in flooded fields called paddies, which leads to high water consumption.
• Almonds : Almonds also have a high water requirement. About 4,000 liters of water are used to produce one kilogram of almonds. California, the largest producer of almonds in the world, regularly suffers from water shortages, which makes growing almonds particularly problematic.

comparison to other foods

For comparison, an avocado requires about 1,000 liters of water per kilogram. Although this is still a lot, this figure pales in comparison to coffee, cocoa and beef. Other plant-based foods such as tomatoes, carrots and potatoes have a much lower water consumption in comparison. Tomatoes, for example, require about 200 liters of water per kilogram, carrots about 130 liters and potatoes around 100 liters.

Why is water consumption so important?

Water is a precious resource that is in short supply in many parts of the world. Water use in agriculture contributes significantly to water use, and in regions where water is scarce, this can cause major problems. By making conscious choices in our diet, we can help reduce water use and protect the environment.

Tips for conscious water consumption in your diet

1st Choose plant-based alternatives : Plant-based foods tend to use less water than animal products. By eating more vegetables, fruits and grains, you can reduce your water footprint.
2nd Seasonal and local products : Water consumption can also be increased by the transportation of food, so buy seasonal and local products to minimize environmental impact.
3. Reduce food waste : Much of the water used is lost when food is thrown away. Plan your meals carefully and store food properly to avoid waste.
4th Choose water-friendly foods : Learn about the water consumption of different foods and choose those that require less water.
5th Efficient irrigation techniques : If you grow your own food, use efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation to minimize water usage.

Conclusion

Water use in food production is an important factor that we should all consider. While the avocado is often cited as water intensive, there are many other foods that have even higher water requirements. By making conscious choices and educating ourselves about water use, we can do our part to protect this valuable resource.

Which food surprised you the most? Share your thoughts with our community in the comments.

Source: nachhaltigleben.ch