Pistachio
Pista

Fat (Per 100 gr)


45 g

Calories (Per 100 gr)


562 Kcal

Carbs (Per 100 gr)


28 g

Chol (Per 100 gr)


0 mg

Pistachio

Pistachio is the closest relative of cashew, grows in areas with high air temperatures, and loves a dry climate. Plants are common in the northwestern part of the African continent, the Middle East, Syria, and Iran. Pistachios can also be found in Central America, in some areas of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Here is complete information about pistachios which is wonderful to know. Also, share this article about pistachios with other people who want to know everything related to pistachios.

Pistachio History

The word pistachio first appeared in late Middle English "Pistazie" (from old French). In the 16th century, it became the Italian "pistacchio" (which is how we pronounce the word today). This Italian usage has roots in Latin and Greek "pistakion", and also from Middle Persian "pistak". Today’s Persian word is ‘pista’, or as the Iranians say, ‘pisteh’. Iran exports pistachio remarkably to China annually, Chinese used to call it "伊朗开心果" and know it as "Happy Nuts".

Why Pistachios?

The medical properties of pistachio are abundant. You have probably heard this sentence thousands of times, but have you ever read about the properties and benefits of consuming pistachios?

According to traditional medicine, the consumption of pistachios can be so beneficial for the human body and all people should include pistachios in their diet. Here is some detailed information about the various benefits of pistachios that you should be familiar with.

Pistachio Benefits

1. Benefits of pistachios in pregnancy

Do not neglect the properties of pistachios during pregnancy. From strengthening the body's immune system to improving fetal brain development, preventing infection during pregnancy, treating constipation and preventing anemia, etc., these are among the properties of raw and fresh pistachios during pregnancy.

It is better to consume raw pistachios because roasted pistachios contain a lot of salt that increases sodium in the blood and may cause high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Pistachios have a lot of protein and iron and can provide useful and essential nutrients to the fetus during pregnancy. Consumption of pistachios helps to control the level of cholesterol and blood fat during pregnancy and prevents the occurrence of infectious problems as well as constipation in pregnant mothers.

2. Benefits of pistachios for weight loss

The benefits of pistachios for weight loss are unique. Pistachios are edible nuts that have many nutrients and useful substances for the body, and due to the abundance of fiber, you experience a feeling of fullness after consuming them. Eating fresh pistachios helps you manage your weight because it is a nutritious and filling snack.

3. Benefits of pistachios for kids

Pistachios are extremely satisfying food that perfectly satisfies the feeling of hunger. Give your child a few to go to school so they can eat between classes. This is a great option for recuperation if your little one plays sports. Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, a group of special substances that inhibit the destruction of cell membranes. Thus, their viability is extended.

4. Benefits of pistachios for the heart

Consuming pistachios can reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Fresh pistachios contain high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium, both of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for heart health.

Consuming pistachios prevents the formation of blood clots and strokes in heart patients and also prevents heart disease due to its antioxidants. Some studies show that eating raw and fresh pistachios reduces the amount and concentration of fat and sugar (glycemic index) in the blood, and also improves the flexibility of blood vessels.

5. Benefits of pistachio skin for hair

Fresh pistachio nuts are rich in fatty acids and various minerals that can help the shine and health of hair. Using raw pistachios stimulates hair growth and prevents hair from becoming dry and brittle. Using a raw pistachio mask is also a wonderful mask for nourishing and moisturizing the hair, which helps to maintain hair health and treat dry hair.

Pistachios and diabetes

Eating pistachios greatly reduces the amount of sugar absorbed in the body and makes your body absorb less sugar for a few hours after eating them. Because of this, the amount of blood sugar decreases and diabetes is controlled. Pistachio sugar is an excellent source of energy. It may be interesting to you that fresh pistachios have more sugar than old pistachios, but in general, pistachios have less sugar compared to other foods. The reason for less sugar in pistachios is the presence of starch in pistachios. For this reason, it is useful for diabetics and these people can use it.

In diabetic patients, sugar forms a bond with protein and the body cannot use that sugar. This process is called glycation. Antioxidants in pistachios reduce glycation in diabetics. This is why pistachios are good for diabetics. Pistachios and diabetes have a direct relationship. Eating pistachios also reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes.

Pistachio Nutritional value

Pistachios contain awesome nutrients, such as:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin K
  • Zinc
  • Carbohydrates
  • Protein

Uses of Pistachios

The use of pistachios is not limited to nuts. Pistachio has delicious and diverse uses such as

  • Pistachio butter
  • Pistachio paste
  • Pistachio oil
  • Pistachio cream
  • Pistachio nougat
  • Sohan

The countless properties of pistachio and its derivatives are used to strengthen the body and treat various deadly diseases all over the world. You can also use these delicious and awesome nuts in all kinds of foods and desserts.

Maintenance of Pistachios

Pistachios are one of the popular and delicious nuts that should be carefully stored. Usually, pistachios are harvested at the end of August and September and are kept raw. In hot weather, pistachios are stored in cold storage to maintain their quality. To keep salted pistachios for a long time, pistachios are placed in containers with lids.

  • Storage of salted pistachios

The suitable temperature for keeping nuts in the refrigerator is 4 degrees. In this method, pistachio nuts can be stored in the refrigerator for one year.

It is possible to keep pistachios with or without skin in the freezer. The best way to store salted pistachios is in the freezer, which can be kept for three years in proper packaging.

  • Freezing fresh pistachios

Fresh pistachios can be poured into various containers with lids and kept in the freezer and removed from the freezer half an hour before consumption. In this way, the taste of pistachios is preserved.

Maintenance of the Pistachios
Maintenance of the Pistachios

Precautions

Pistachio nuts are one of the rich sources of useful fatty acids, but their consumption is not recommended for people with high blood triglyceride levels, and it is not suitable for the stomach because of their difficult digestion.

Aflatoxin

As is the case with other seeds, aflatoxin is a toxin that is maybe found in pistachio seeds that are not properly harvested, or even poorly processed. Aflatoxin is a type of carcinogenic chemical that comes from mold. This mold infection may result from the soil itself, or poor storage methods and may be spread by pests. If mold growth is high, it can be seen as black or gray filament-like growth.

Make sure to purchase this product from a reliable store, if it's contaminated by Aflatoxins, it can be extremely harmful to your body's health.

Top Pistachio Exporters in the World

Global Consumption & Production

The countries of Turkey, America, and China are the biggest consumers of pistachios in the world. About 60% of all pistachios consumed in the world are in these three countries.

Until recently, Iran was considered the first pistachio producer and exporter in the world. But Iran has a big competitor in this field and that is America. America was able to reach the position of the first pistachio-producing country in the world by increasing the cultivated area of ​​its product in recent years. After that, Iran is considered the second country that produces it.

Top 10 Exporter of Pistachios in the World

HS code 080251 (Nuts, edible; pistachios, fresh or dried, in shell)

Top 10 Importer of Pistachios in the World

HS code 080251 (Nuts, edible; pistachios, fresh or dried, in shell)

IRAN PISTACHIOS

But where are pistachios from? We are proud to say that the pistachio tree is native to Asia, specifically Iraq and Iran. Iran, especially, was named the largest producer of these nuts in the world. Today, this honor belongs to the United States of America. although US pistachio seed is brought from Iran a long time ago and it's known as Kerman type there. Many Iranian cities (27 provinces) are involved in the production – including Kerman, Khorasan, Tehran, and Fars.

Why Iran Pistachios?

Iranian awesome pistachios have their own special customers all over the world. Iranian pistachios are ranked first in the world in terms of quality and taste. but there are actually a few specific characteristics that distinguish the persian pistachios:

  • Roast ability (Due to high amount of unsaturated oil content)
  • variety (You can find different types of pistachio in each region of Iran, any of them has its own properties and flavor)
  • Taste (Unique, rich, and distinctive flavor of Iran pisteh)
  • Higher rate of kernels to shells (Because the kernel fills the whole shell)
  • Trade ability (Because many traders and workshops are active in this product, its market is very competitive)

Types of Pistachios

Several important factors decide the price and quality of pistachio kernels throughout Iran. This includes the color, type, quality, manufacturer brand, and freshness.

While only three to five (3-5) types of these nuts are commonly known, the actual variety of Iran pistachio is very large. It is said that there are up to twelve types! However, there is a reason why only a few are known – they are produced and consumed more.

Here we're going to categorize the pistachio types base on their species, shells, and flavors.

 

Pistachio Types base on Species

Click here to watch a video about Iran Pistachio Types.

Bowl of Akbari
Bowl of kale ghuchi
Bowl of ahmad aghaei
Bowl of Fandoghi

Super Long Pistachios

AKBARI, Luxurious & Unique

One of the most beautiful examples of pistachios is this product; Compared to other examples of this product, it is almond-shaped and more elongated. This type of pistachio is produced in Iran; Also, the largest amount of its production is carried out in the cities of Sirjan, Rafsanjan, and Anar. One of the reasons why buying first-grade Akbari pistachio is very popular is its wonderful taste, beautiful and elongated, and ease to peel. Pistachio nuts prepared from this type of product can have a very good taste.

  • Price range (Feb 2023): 11.5$ - 13.5$ per kg
  • High risk of heat stroke

Appearance

  • Super Long | Ivory Stained

Size Range

  • 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28

Harvest Time

  • Late

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Anar

Jumbo Pistachios

KALE GHUCHI, Big & Heavy

Kale Ghuchi pistachio is one of the most popular varieties of pistachio, which is considered a luxury nut due to its delicious taste and large and spherical appearance. Kale Ghuchi pistachio is a little more expensive than the round type, Due to its large kernel, the Kale Ghuchi pistachio is widely used in the confectionery and ice cream industry and in the preparation of all kinds of pistachio products.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 9.5$ - 11$ per kg
  • Sensitive to lack of water and food

Appearance

  • Roundish | Ivory Stained

Size Range

  • 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28

Harvest Time

  • Middle

Cultivation Site

  • Razavi Khorasan | Sabzevar

Long Pistachios

AHMAD AGHAEI, Bold Kernel & White Shell

Maybe you are one of those people for whom taste is more important than anything else and you want to taste and enjoy the best taste. Ahmad Aghaei pistachio is actually one of the tastiest and most delicious pistachio varieties, which is the first word in Iran and the world. In Iran, the Ahmad Aghaei pistachio variety is of special importance, the reason for the great attention to this pistachio variety is actually its wonderful taste and very beautiful appearance.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 10$ - 11$ per kg
  • A leader in cultivation increasing

Appearance

  • Long | White Shell

Size Range

  • 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30, 30-32

Harvest Time

  • Late

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Noogh

Round Pistachios

FANDOGHI, Economic & Reasonable

One of the popular pistachios in Kerman province is the round pistachio, so that 55-60% of the pistachio orchards in this province are Fandoghi type. The Fandoghi pistachio is smaller and finer than other pistachio varieties. and it is more reasonable as it has a higher kernel ratio among Iranian pistachios. The small and hazelnut-like appearance of this type of pistachio has made it known as Fandoghi pistachio.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 9$ - 10.5$ per kg
  • Highest production rate at the moment

Appearance

  • Round | Ivory

Size Range

  • 26-28, 28-30, 30-32, 32-34, 34-36

Harvest Time

  • Medium

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Rafsanjan
  • Khorasan | Bardaskan

Bowl of Akbari Closed shell
Bowl of kale ghuchi Closed shell
Bowl of ahmad aghaei Closed shell
Bowl of Fandoghi Closed shell
Bowl of Akbari Natural Open

Super Long Pistachios

AKBARI, Luxurious & Unique

One of the most beautiful examples of pistachios is this product; Compared to other examples of this product, it is almond-shaped and more elongated. This type of pistachio is produced in Iran; Also, the largest amount of its production is carried out in the cities of Sirjan, Rafsanjan, and Anar. One of the reasons why buying first-grade Akbari pistachio is very popular is its wonderful taste, beautiful and elongated, and ease to peel. Pistachio nuts prepared from this type of product can have a very good taste.

  • Price range (Feb 2023): 11.5$ - 13.5$ per kg
  • High risk of heat stroke

Appearance

  • Super Long | Ivory Stained

Size Range

  • 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28

Harvest Time

  • Late

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Anar

Bowl of Akbari Closed shell
Bowl of Kale Ghuchi Natural Open

Jumbo Pistachios

KALE GHUCHI, Big & Heavy

Kale Ghuchi pistachio is one of the most popular varieties of pistachio, which is considered a luxury nut due to its delicious taste and large and spherical appearance. Kale Ghuchi pistachio is a little more expensive than the round type, Due to its large kernel, the Kale Ghuchi pistachio is widely used in the confectionery and ice cream industry and in the preparation of all kinds of pistachio products.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 9.5$ - 11$ per kg
  • Sensitive to lack of water and food

Appearance

  • Roundish | Ivory Stained

Size Range

  • 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28

Harvest Time

  • Middle

Cultivation Site

  • Razavi Khorasan | Sabzevar

Bowl of Kale Ghuchi Closed shell
Bowl of Ahmad Aghaei Natural Open

Long Pistachios

AHMAD AGHAEI, Bold Kernel & White Shell

Maybe you are one of those people for whom taste is more important than anything else and you want to taste and enjoy the best taste. Ahmad Aghaei pistachio is actually one of the tastiest and most delicious pistachio varieties, which is the first word in Iran and the world. In Iran, the Ahmad Aghaei pistachio variety is of special importance, the reason for the great attention to this pistachio variety is actually its wonderful taste and very beautiful appearance.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 10$ - 11$ per kg
  • A leader in cultivation increasing

Appearance

  • Long | White Shell

Size Range

  • 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30, 30-32

Harvest Time

  • Late

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Noogh

Bowl of Ahmad Aghaei Closed shell
Bowl of Fandoghi Natural Open

Round Pistachios

FANDOGHI, Economic & Reasonable

One of the popular pistachios in Kerman province is the round pistachio, so that 55-60% of the pistachio orchards in this province are Fandoghi type. The Fandoghi pistachio is smaller and finer than other pistachio varieties. and it is more reasonable as it has a higher kernel ratio among Iranian pistachios. The small and hazelnut-like appearance of this type of pistachio has made it known as Fandoghi pistachio.

  • َPrice range (Feb 2023): 9$ - 10.5$ per kg
  • Highest production rate at the moment

Appearance

  • Round | Ivory

Size Range

  • 26-28, 28-30, 30-32, 32-34, 34-36

Harvest Time

  • Medium

Cultivation Site

  • Kerman | Rafsanjan
  • Khorasan | Bardaskan

Bowl of Fandoghi Closed shell

Pistachio Types based on Shells

1. Naturally Open (NO)

As you know this is the ideal type and suitable for export. the raw dried of this type can be kept for a long duration in cold and dry conditions. you can simply see the kernel and detect its size and health. kernel content is almost 54 - 60%.

  • Click here to watch a video about Natural Open Pista.

2. Mechanically Opened (MO)

In the processing factories, they mechanically open the closed shells to look like NO type. there is a surefire way to detect it. If you press a MO pistachio, the two edges of the shell will match. the good mechanically opened type has a kernel content of 49-50%.

  • Click here to watch a video about Mechanic Open Pista.

3. Closed Shell

Depending on the cultivation area, a share of each farmer's crop is the closed shell. this type is not useless, after shelling it will be used in sweets and confectioneries. according to international law, the purchased product can contain up to 5% of closed shells.

  • Click here to watch a video about Closed Shell Pista.

4. Water splitting

This is an outdated way to open pistachios. but unfortunately, some processing plants do it base on customer orders and mix the product with NO type. In this method, the closed-mouth pistachios are immersed in the cold water pool with an average temperature of 4° C, and after a while, the pistachios are removed and exposed to the high heat of the heaters. Due to the temperature difference, the shell cracks and opens. during this process, moisture and germs enter the shell, turning this nutrient into toxic and harmful food.

In addition, the high heat destroys all the flavor of these nuts. so they mix it with salt or other additives to solve this problem.

Types based on flavors

Irangenuine provides the best quality of raw and roasted pistachio with different flavors. We are the brand that you can trust.

Raw Pistachio

This is a type that comes to you after harvesting pistachio fruit and peeling it and drying it naturally or mechanically. We are talking about the healthiest and safest type.

 

Raw Pistachio
Roasted Pistachio | Salt

Roasted Pista | Salt Flavored

In processing plants, they roast pistachio with salt and heat at low temperatures. In reputable factories, this is done mechanized and with the device.

Of course, there are always those who ruin the work. In some cases, starch and lemon essence are added to this combination so that the taste of stale pistachios is not known and the empty space in the shell is filled and the sound of its emptiness is not heard. In addition, by adding starch, its weight is also increased. so be careful and purchase from reliable stores.

Roasted | Spicy

Spicy pista is the result of roasting raw pistachio with pepper and a little salt. A taste that is welcomed by those who like spicy.

 

Spicy Pistachio
Saffron flavoured Pistachio

Roasted Pista | Saffron Flavored

You must be familiar with saffron and its countless benefits. The combination of salt and saffron with raw type creates a unique product with a pleasant taste. There is no harm in trying this product, be sure to try it once.

 

Pistachio tree

The most important factor in growing a pistachio tree is to pay attention to the right climate because this tree will bloom and produce only if it is at the right temperature.

The pistachio tree grows in hot and dry areas with hot summers, with a temperature of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, and cold winters, with a temperature of at least 7 degrees Celsius, the pistachio tree does not tolerate high humidity of the soil and environment.

It is a resistant tree that grows in hot and dry areas with cold winters, pistachios need more special conditions for growth compared to other nuts, the most important factors for growing a pistachio tree are temperature, rainfall and humidity, soil conditions, and use It is suitable for fertilizer. The pistachio tree reaches its maximum yield after twenty years and each tree can live for hundreds of years. Historians believe that pistachio was cultivated for the first time in West Asia.

The pistachio tree has two types, male and female, in a pistachio garden, both types of trees should be planted in the correct proportion so that the trees are fertile because the pollination in the pistachio tree is done by the wind, but the final product is harvested from the female tree. Although pistachio trees love warm weather, they need cold winters to enter the silent period or so-called hibernation.

Planting and harvesting

1. Choosing Good Place
2. Planting The Seedlings
3. Planting The Seeds
4. Pruning
5. Harvesting
  • 1

    Planting

    March, April

  • 2

    Harvesting

    September, August

Pistachio Tree

Processing

  • Pistachio peeling

Pistachio peeling was done by hand in the past and the outer thin skin is separated from the hard inner skin by hand. In this method, the inner skin of the pistachio remains whiter, but it is not economical because it takes a lot of time. Today, pistachio peeling is done with big and small machines with different capacities. In the end, some pistachios still have the outer peel, modern machines separate and remove them.

  • Floating tank

The purpose of this step is to separate unripe and damaged pistachios that have a small weight with the help of liquid. The pistachio moisture and the water that comes with the pistachio from the preparation stage are taken.

  • Separating Closed shell

The separator machine removes the closed shell pistachio, the best machines even make mistakes, and the error rate is about 3%.

Pistachio packing and exporting

Packaging

The role of pistachio packaging as one of the important marketing tools has been revealed for many years, and today, covering a product is considered the main factor in product sales, in fact, the packaging is considered as a silent seller because the product directly shows itself to the buyer and its cover gives the necessary information to the buyer with the shape and short sentences that represent the material inside. If the packaging is done with the correct principles, the sales percentage of the products will increase.

Here are 2 different various forms of packaging for Iranian pistachios such as:

  • Packaging in P.Pbags (Recommended)
  • Packaging pistachios in cans

Export

If you take a look at the pistachio global consumption chart, you will see that it was increasing in recent years. We know there are different difficulties to produce, process, pack and export this product and just a few suppliers are doing this as well in Iran. in this article, we tried to give you some detailed information about pistachio so that you can find the best supplier of Iranian pistachios.

Shipping

In order to maintain the health and also quality of exported pistachios during shipping, it’s important to use a variety of pistachio packaging suitable for the climate and also the culture of the target countries. The finished cost of the product with packaging is one of the other points that buyers pay attention to and because of that most countries buy pistachios in bulk form.

Based on our experience, the amount of in-shell pistachios that can be loaded in a 40ft. container is 25MT. and in 20ft. container is up to 14MT.

How to identify Fresh, Healthy Pistachios?

At first glance, all pistachios may look the same, but in reality, it is not like that, and pistachios have different types and many qualities to buy. They should have enough knowledge about pistachios. Pistachios are available in two general forms in the market and stores, salted pistachios and pistachios and raw pistachios.

salted pistachios are added salt and lemon essence during the roasting stage, and due to their taste, they have a high sales rate, but it is important to know that roasted pistachios are not always high quality. You may buy an old and low-quality pistachio because it is difficult to know and recognize their quality because of the ingredients added to them, but raw pistachios are not like this and do not have any additives and you can tell by smelling and seeing them. The ability to recognize their quality and age or freshness.

To recognize salted pistachios, you can shake a handful of pistachios in your hand. If you hear the sound of the pistachios hitting the shell, it means that the pistachios have small kernels and are of low quality. It didn't make a sound. Eat one of them. Roasted pistachios have a good taste and should not taste like additives. That is, they put some pills in a bag and put them in between the pistachios so that the pistachios do not rot and get their old smell. You must make sure that the pistachios are not the type of pill pistachios.

There are many other factors to determine a qualified product, call us, and our procurement specialist will help you.

 

7 wonderful products of Pistachio

1. Pistachio Paste

Pistachio paste,  which is an awesome and natural paste, is used as a tasty filling and as a flavoring ingredient in making ice cream.

2. Pistachio Syrup

Pistachio syrup, which has an awesome nutty flavor, can be added to various desserts and lattes.

3. Pistachio jam

Pistachio jam,  which is an awesome energy source for the human body, can be eaten with bread in the morning.

4. Butter

Being rich in various vitamins and also proteins, pistachio butter can be used as a tasty topping for oatmeal.

5. Pistachio oil

Extracted from fresh pistachio nuts, pistachio oil is used in various salads for its nutty flavor.

6. Pistachio powder

Pistachio powder is an awesome source of protein that can be added to smoothies, cakes, and ice cream.

7. Sliced Pistachio

Sliced pistachio is mainly used in various Iranian dishes, cookies, and ice cream because of its wonderful nutty taste.

Persian dishes with pistachio

Pistachio stew is another traditional stew of the Kerman province. As you know, Kerman is the center of pistachio, that's why there are dishes in this city that use pistachio, including this pistachio stew, which may be interesting to you. Of course, the people of Damghan also have a stew with the same name because, as you know, Damghan also has famous pistachios. Pistachios are actually a part of dried fruits and nuts, and most people consume them as nuts, and few people use them to prepare food.

Pistachio soup with saffron and also Persian chicken with pistachio are other awesome Persian dishes that are specifically made from pistachio.

Persian pastries with pistachio

One of the most awesome Persian pastries is known as pistachio and the dates trifle, it can be made easily at home. Here is a short recipe for pistachio and date trifle:

Put the dates (remove the core), lemon juice, pistachios, and cardamom powder into the food processor. Turn it on and mix until completely combined. This mixture should become slightly sticky. Wet your hands and form a small ball with a tablespoon of the mixture. Then roll it in coconut powder and put it in the desired dish for serving.

Also, Sohan and also Shole Zard are other awesome Persian pastries with pistachio topping that everyone should make and try at home.

Conclusion

Pistachio is a very nutritious and rich food that has many properties for the health of the body, especially the heart, intestines, and waist. Regular consumption of pistachio and its inclusion in the diet improves health and helps to maintain well-being. But it is better to use plain and unsalted pistachio nuts.

Dish of Pistachios

2 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *