Pistachios

Pistachio (PESTEH in Farsi) is one of the top export products of Iran. It is more than thousands of years that different types of Pistachios have been cultivated in the country. However, it is only almost 100 years that commercial cultivation of pistachios started.

In the 1950s, about 2,000 tons of pistachios have produced in the country. Later in 1975, it rose to 25,000 tones, and then exceeded to 150,000 tones in the closing years of the millennium.

There are only limited geographical locations which have favorable climatic conditions for pistachio production. Pistachio trees can survive temperatures ranging between −10 °C in winter and 48 °C in summer. In addition, most types of Pistachio trees need a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Currently, Iran second largest producer of pistachios and exporter in the world by  production of pistachios, more than  150,000 MT annually by Iranian farmers harvest the crop in Kerman, Yazd, Khorasan, and Fars, Semnan, Markazi, and some other provinces.

                            Variety & Size Of  Pistachios                

 
                       

Ahmad Aghaei Pistachios ( Long)

 This nut is rather large and its fruit is almond shaped. It can be harvested in late September. The newest commercial variety, very popular with the farmers, because of high yield and its shorter time to reach production. It is very popular in some markets like India and Greece ,available sizes of Iranian Long pistachio are 18/20- 20/22, 22-24 and 24/26  . pistachio  size unit is the number of nuts in one Once.

Akbari Pistchios( Long)

This type is the highest economic value. Its fruits are large and almond shaped. It can be harvested in late September. This is a newer variety with good yield and with long, large nuts.,available sizes of Iranian Long pistachio are 18/20- 20/22, 22-24 and 24/26

                                

 

                         

Kaleghochi Pistachios( Jumbo)

This nut is famous for being large. It is sensitive to shortage of water and its leaves are complex. This type of nut is vulnerable to cold weather in spring. It can be harvested in mid September.Kaleghochi (Jumbo pistachios) are available in the following sizes: 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, and 28-30.

Fandoghi Pistachios ( Round)

This cultivar is the most widely available pistachio variety and grows in most pistachio growing areas of Iran. Fandoghi is of round type and has the lowest shape index among the four cultivars. It comes in the following sizes 28/30, 30/32 and 32/34 nuts per ounce. Size 26/28 is also available in small quantity.

 

                                  
                       

Whole Kernal Pistachio 

Pistachio kernels normally come from two types of pistachios, closed shells pistachios, and open shell pistachios, and kernels can be from any type of pistachios and Open shell pistachio kernels are rich in color and size. This type of Iranian pistachio kernels are taken from open shell pistachios, which are cracked by hand, hence the procedure takes longer time also the price is higher compared to closed shell kernels. This type is suitable for confectionaries, particularly where pistachios will be used as it is without blending or making it to powder, for instance, Baklava or Turkish delights and Closed shell pistachios transfer to cracking factory in order to get cracked and extract kernels. The whole procedure is fully automated. The color of this type is slightly lighter than open shell pistachio kernel, but  it is more reasonable and more affordable in price. This type of pistachio kernel suits for confectionery or cooking then the kernels need to be blended or make powder of it.

Green Kernal pistachios

Green Pistachio kernels normally come from cracking and peeling  close shell pistachios   and A quality factor for green kernels is their sizes. The more the color of the kernel`s second skin is violet and sharp the more it is popular among users. Higher the level of fat in pistachio kernels the tastier it is. Another interesting fact about pistachios without shell is that as the kernel size grows the color of kernel tends to more yellow-ish. So, if the kernel is premature its color is more green.

                               

Health Benefits of Pistachios

  • Loaded with nutrients
  • High in antioxidants
  • Low in calories yet high in protein
  • May aid weight loss
  • Promote healthy gut bacteria
  • May lower cholesterol and blood pressure
  • May promote blood vessel health
  • May help lower blood sugar

Iran pistachio price

Iranian pistachio price depends on the type and size of Persian pistachio that you request for. Lots of factors such as the type of the pistachio, the size of the kernel and its shell type can effect on the pistachio wholesale price in Iran.