Pistachio trees have developed within the Center East for thousands of years. Pistachios have continuously been a wanted delicacy in this region. Pistachios are said within the Ancient Confirmation (Beginning 43:11).
In Persia (advanced day Iran), pistachio exchange and proprietorship of pistachio forests implied wealth and tall status. Legend has it that pistachios were a favorite of the Ruler of Sheba, who requested all her land’s generation for herself and her court. Through the successes of Alexander, the Incredible (334-323 BC), the nut comes to Greece. Afterward, beneath the run the show of the Roman Head Tiberius (To begin with Century Advertisement), the nut was too presented in Italy and Spain.
Today, in this article, we are going to produce pistachios for you. So, stay with us until the end.
Production of pistachios by Nation 2024
Between 2021 and 2022, the United States was responsible for approximately 67% of global pistachio production. Following closely, Iran accounted for 17%, while Turkey held third place with 11%. Greece and Syria contributed 4% to the total output, with the remaining 1% attributed to other unmentioned countries.
In 2018, the global Production of pistachios reached 911,829 tons. Iran led the production with 337,815 tons, followed closely by the United States at 335,660 tons. China ranked third, producing approximately 106,155 tons at that time.
By 2022, the United States, Iran, and Turkey secured the top three positions for pistachio production. The escalating production of this nut has intensified the competition for the leading rank. Collectively, these three nations accounted for 90% of the global market share. The remaining 10% was contributed by Syria, Afghanistan, Spain, and a few other countries.
During this period, the U.S. dominated the production and export of in-shell pistachios. Iran claimed the second spot as the largest in-shell producer and led in exporting the kernels of this nut. Turkey is steadily advancing and is likely to sustain its leading position for an extended period.
Top 5 Pistachio Acreage and Production Volumes in 2018 Data
- Iran’s Pistachio Production of roughly 411,432 hectares dedicated to pistachio orchards, yielding approximately 4.132 Kg (9.1 lbs.) per capita.
- Turkey has a total of 366,210 acres of pistachio cultivation, providing around 1.052 Kg (almost 2.3 lbs.) per person.
- The United States cultivates pistachios on approximately 116,950 acres, resulting in an average of about 1.024 Kg (2.25 lbs.) per person.
- Syria’s pistachio plantations cover 59,989 acres, with an average production of about 1.74 Kg (3.84 lbs.) per person.
- China’s Production of pistachios spans about 32,207 acres, contributing roughly 0.076 Kg (almost 17 lbs.) per person.
Best pistachios and all you need to know about it
Pistachios of high quality offer a rich supply of beneficial fats, anti-inflammatory attributes, dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, and a range of essential nutrients such as vitamin B6. With their significant protein content, they help sustain satiety for extended periods while providing ample energy, making them an ideal snack choice for individuals following a dietary regimen.
Pistachios are available in two forms:
- Pistachio kernels undergo an extensive peeling and shelling process, making them pricier than in-shell pistachios. This type of pistachio can be enjoyed raw or salted, used in various confectionery recipes, as a topping for foods, in smoothies, and salads, and chopped for cereal additions.
- In-shell pistachios are obtained by removing the outer green peel but retaining the hard shell to safeguard the kernel. High-quality pistachios can maintain their freshness for up to six months at room temperature, around a year in the refrigerator, and approximately two years in the freezer. Quality dried pistachio snacks are also available in the market.
Which country has the best pistachio?
Pistachio, a type of nut from the cashew family, is produced by the pistachio tree, a petite plant with distinct leaves. Originating in the Middle East and Central Asia, this tree is now cultivated in various regions.
Which nation boasts the finest pistachios?
Given that the pistachio tree thrives in dry soil and abundant sunlight, desert environments offer optimal conditions for its cultivation. Iran, with its suitable deserts characterized by dry and hot weather, is renowned for producing top-quality pistachios. Persian pistachios are highly regarded globally and often considered a luxury commodity in countries such as Japan and Germany.
Best quality pistachios in Iran
In Iran, different varieties of pistachios are available:
- Roasted and salted pistachios are highly popular due to their excellent flavor. Research indicates that both raw and roasted pistachios offer similar nutritional benefits in terms of calories, protein, carbs, and fiber content.
- Ahmad Aghaei pistachios are categorized as long-shaped pistachios with a red kernel. They are classified based on size into groups such as 24-26/ 26-28/ 28-30 per ounce by Crop.
- Iranian Jumbo pistachios, known as Kalle ghouchi pistachios, stand out for their large kernel size and are a top-selling variety globally. Iran is the main producer of Jumbo pistachios. These pistachios are harvested in Iran’s expansive farms during mid to late September and are categorized by size as 18-20/ 20-22/ 22-24/ 24-26 per ounce by Crop.
- Jumbo pistachios have higher fat content compared to other types but are rich in healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin B6, and essential nutrients.
Pistachio production in Iran
Pistachio production in Iran is the world’s primary pistachio producer, with a total harvest of 229 thousand Tm in 2006. Specifically, Rafsanjan contributed 99 thousand Tm, representing 43.2% of Iran’s production and 17% globally. In Kerman province, Production of pistachios surged from 112.8 thousand Tm in 1990 to 273 thousand Tm in 2006. Over the years 1196 to 2006, Iran maintained an average pistachio output of approximately 233.4 thousand Tm, with Kerman accounting for 145 thousand Tm, equivalent to 62% of the total. The yield of 0.9 Tm per hectare from Rafsanjan’s 110 thousand hectares led to its 2006 production of 99 thousand Tm, comprising 43.1% of Iran’s total and 17% of the global pistachio yield.
Processes of pistachio processing in Iran
The United States of America, Turkey, and Syria follow Iran as the world’s top pistachio producers. Major pistachio-producing regions in Iran include Khorasan Razavi, Rafsanjan, Kerman, Yazd, Sirjan, Fars, Qazvin, and Semnan. Normally, pistachios are initially grown in greenhouses before being permanently relocated to gardens after a year. While the ideal tree-to-tree planting distance is 7 to 8 meters, Iran typically spaces them 3 to 4 meters apart. Pistachio trees begin bearing fruits between 5 to 7 years, reaching peak production levels when they are 20 to 50 years old.
Harvesting of pistachio kernels occurs in late summer and early autumn. In Iran, harvesting is done manually due to the tree’s structure with multiple trunks, making mechanical harvesting unfeasible. The traditional approach involves manual collection by workers and subsequent processing at pistachio processing centers. Freshly picked pistachios need to be processed or stored in suitable conditions within 7 to 8 hours to prevent spoilage.
In contrast to Iran’s manual methods, the United States employs industrial machinery for pistachio harvesting.
Pistachio processing steps in Iran:
Fresh pistachios undergo three processing methods in Iran:
1: The conventional approach
2: A partially mechanized process
3: A fully automated technique
In the traditional method, pistachio processing is mainly manual, with workers using a peeling machine as the only device. This method is suitable for small quantities of fresh pistachios and is often referred to as traditional or for home units.
Fresh pistachios are processed semi-mechanically using industrial equipment. Eventually, they are spread out widely under sunlight to dry after passing through a dehumidifier.
However, the fully mechanized method stands out as all stages, including the drying process of fresh pistachios, are carried out industrially.
Steps involved in the pistachio processing machine:
1: Peeling
2: Washing and cleansing
3: Immersion tanks (Water pool)
4: Gugir
5: Dehydrator
6: Sorting of small pistachios
7: Elimination of hollow pistachios
8: Sorting of closed pistachios
9: Examination line
The initial phase of pistachio processing is known as peeling. During this step, pistachios that are empty, immature, or contaminated with the aflatoxin virus are separated from the batch. There are two main
types of peeling machines utilized:
Metal peeling: This machine features a rotating hub and consists of two sections:
- Shear peeling: Here, sharp blades cut the fresh pistachio skins, which are then separated by a sharp tool. The peeled pistachios are extracted from the front of the machine, while the unpeeled ones undergo a circular process inside the device, allowing for potential repetition.
- Abrasion Peeling: Specifically designed for individual pistachios, these machines peel the nuts through friction with a sharp surface. It is recommended to use this machine without pistachio clusters.
- Rubber peeling: Unlike metal peeling machines, this equipment employs plastic on its rotor instead of metal screws. The gentle pressure applied by this machine ensures fewer empty, immature, or contaminated pistachios are discarded during the peeling process.
Pistachio production in Mani Renjal Company
Mani Renjal Company is one of the organic and high-quality Iranian pistachio production companies that was established by Mr. Mousavi in 2003, and four years later, Mr. Asadi’s father built a large facility for Production of pistachios, export, and processing services (peeling, drying, etc.). gave. To ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction, Esadi opened a packaging company inside pistachio orchards. They offer roasted and unroasted pistachios in a variety of sizes, prioritizing the health of the product by maintaining laboratories for international standard testing.
Focusing on quality, reasonable price, and customer service, Mani Ranjal seeks to satisfy customers and increase marketing and is always trying to prevent pistachios from being contaminated with Aspergillus fungus and aflatoxin poison with sufficient research in modern science.
Conclusion
pistachio production low levels of saturated fat and can serve as a valuable source of monounsaturated fatty acids. Consuming around 57 grams of pistachios daily has been linked to reduced blood pressure among older individuals. Pistachio powder is utilized in confectionery, while its green outer layer is fed to livestock such as cows, sheep, and poultry. Pistachio oil finds application in the production of cosmetics, various dishes, and medicines. Cultivated in diverse regions including Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, the pistachio plant’s origins date back thousands of years. The Middle East, particularly Iran, notably encompasses the primary habitat of pistachios, with Rafsanjan standing out as a leading producer within Kerman province. The climate in Rafsanjan lends itself well to pistachio cultivation, with abundant sunlight and rich soil contributing to Iran’s pistachios’ exceptional qualities, especially their distinct flavor.
FAQ:
- What country is the largest producer of pistachios?
The United States dominates the pistachio market, contributing approximately 40% of the global production. Following the US, Iran and Turkey also play significant roles as major producers, collectively accounting for roughly 50% of the world’s pistachio output. Additional contributors to the market include China, Syria, Madagascar, Tunisia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
- How are pistachios produced?
The trees are typically grown in orchards and require approximately 7 to 10 years to achieve substantial yield. Production follows an alternate-bearing or biennial-bearing pattern, resulting in heavier harvests every other year. Peak production levels are generally achieved after about 20 years. It is common practice to prune the trees to facilitate harvesting.
References:
https://om.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a94/00801315.pdf
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/pistachio-production-by-country
https://americanpistachios.org/growing-and-harvesting/history