Types of pistachios
Iranian pistachios have different names according to their
shapes and sizes. The major varieties are as follows:
| Round Pistachio (Fandoghi):
These are the primary product for export. Available in sizes 26-28, 28-30, 30-32 Order |
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| Long Pistachio (Akbari):
These are the most expensive and traditional. Available in sizes 20-22, 22-24 Order |
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| Long Pistachio (Ahmad aghaee):
These are a favorite amongst people in Eastern Asia. Available in sizes 22-24, 24-26 Order |
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| Long Pistachio (Badami):
The shape of its kernel is similar to that of the
almond. Available in sizes 24-26, 26-28, 28-30 Order |
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| Jumbo Pistachio (Kale ghuchi):
This kind is broad with an opened mouth. Available in sizes 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26 Order |
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| Natural Pistachio kernel (red and cream color):
These are shelled from closed pistachios. Order |
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| Green kernel Pistachio:
Green kernel Pistachio: This kind is used to add flavor and/or green coloring to ice cream, cookies and other cuisine. Order |
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| Roasted and Salted Pistachio:
These boast a very favorable taste. Order |
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| Roasted and Unsalted
Pistachio: These are quite suitable for individuals who are on a salt free diet. Order |
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| We can also prepare all kinds of pistachios in the following grades: | |
Grades of kernel pistachios
AAA: ~95% whole + 5% split.
AA: ~90% whole + 10% split.
A: ~85% whole +
15% split.
C: ~70% whole + 30% split.
The History of the Pistachio
Documents and research have shown that the origin of
pistachio trees lies in the North-east of Iran. For
5000 years people have been eating pistachios. Historic
records claim that the queen of Sheba herself,
demanded all of the Assyrian pistachios for her court.
The Botany of the Pistachio
The pistachio belongs to the Ancardiaceae family. Pistachio
trees usually grow up to 8 meters tall. These
trees can tolerate different extremes in temperature: up to
45°C and lower than 25°C. Pistachio trees are
second (after the date palm) which can survive for long
periods of time without water. Their roots reach
deep into the soil to find water. Depending on the
environment in which the tree is planted, a pistachio tree
will start to fruit between 7 to 10 years after being
planted and continue to live and fruit for about 80 to 100
years.
| Type | Packed in bags | Packed in carton |
| 20 foot container | 14 tons | 12 tons |
| 40 foot container | 24 tons | 20tons |
| 12 meter trailer | 19.5 tons | 19tons |
The Nutritional Value of Pistachios
100 grams of the edible part of a pistachio contains about
600 calories and is 53% fat, 21% protein, 18%
carbohydrates, 2.2% fiber, and no cholesterol.
Per 100g of edible protein: |
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| Potassiumm | 1.020 g | |
| Phosphorus | 5.000 g | |
| Magnesium | 158 mg | |
| Calcium | 136 mg | |
| Iron | 7300 mg | |
| Selenium | 0.450 mg | |
| Nickel | 0.080 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 7.000 mg | |
| Vitamin E | 5.200 mg | |
| Nicotinamide | 1.450 mg | |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.690 mg | |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.200 mg | |
| Carotene | 0.150 mg | |
| Folic Acid | 0.058 mg | |
Pistachio global export
The statistics of Iranian pistachio exports, according to the
Customs Organization of Iran, are shown below
(values are in thousands of dollars):
Note: Statistics are from March of each year.
According to FAO statistics (2004), Iran is the number one exporter of pistachios in recent years and Iranian pistachios exported to many countries.
This graph is based on
FAO
statistics, shows the
percentage of Iranian
pistachio exports in the
global market.
Some useful information about pistachio
