Pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees. Recent archeological evidence suggests that humans were enjoying them as early as 7,000 B.C. The need for the hot climates, pistachios spread from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, quickly becoming a treasured delicacy among royalty, travelers. Several thousand years earlier the very tasty pistachios were already known in, Persia (Iran), Mesopotamia, at the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and in North East Africa. First trials were made with pistachios in Iran at the start of the last century, and until 1940’s the nuts were mainly imported from Iran and Turkey.
Current main world suppliers are Iran and The U.S (California). Smaller quantities come from Italy, Greece and Turkey as well.
Pistachio nuts are mentioned in all Iranian literature, stories, beliefs, traditions and rituals such as Norooz (New Iranian Year). For Iranians no festivities and feasts can be held without pistachio nuts as well as other nuts like walnuts, almond, raisin, hazelnuts, etc.
They celebrate Iranian New Year by eating pistachios. If they cook special dishes, they decorate them with pistachios. Even treats such as ‘Gaz’ contain pistachios. Pistachio nuts are of strategic importance among Iranian producers of agro products.
There is no doubt that Iranian pistachio has the best taste and maximum nutrition. The special climate of Kerman province is the only best place for growing pistachios.
The history of kale ghouchi pistachio cultivation in Iran dates back to around 4500 years ago. Iranians have believed the virtues and effects of pistachio in increasing insight and intelligence of human brains. Since the first trees grew in ancient Persia, one can easily find out that Iranians were the first consumers of kale ghouchi pistachio.
Roasted & salted, as well as dry in-shell pistachios are very much liked and consumed as a snack. The kernels, with or without their thin skin are mainly used in the bakery and confectionary industry. Green kernels are used in meat and sausage industry, as well as ice cream production.
Iranian pistachios include many local names and each name represents a region shape or quality type. However in term of shapes there are in four main groups. All types can be founded in Iran market in raw or roasted with several productions offers such as mechanically, opened or closed pistachio, roasted and salted, roasted and salted with added lime.
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.
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. Production of this variety is increasing. It also has the whitest shell hue among the four.
Available sizes of Iranian Long Pistachio are 20/22, 22-24 and 24/26, with 18/20 also available in small quantities. Pistachio size unit is the number of nuts in one once.
A few facts about kale ghouchi pistachio, it is believed that Stone Age people used pistachios where is now known as Iran and used to be the Persian Empire. It is said that Queen Belgais and Shiba used to serve imperial guests with the finest Iranian Kale ghoochi Pistachio which was only available to the royalties.
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.
On the whole Kalleh Ghouchi is not being budded anymore and production is from existing trees. Although commercially quite successful, Kalleh Ghouchi trees showed a steep drop in growth and production as they grew older than 40 years old. It is expected that the production would slowly decline.
Available sizes are 20/22, 22/24 and 24/26, with 18/20 being available in small quantities.
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. In recent years, around 50% of Iranian production is of the Fandoghi type. The reason is its limited yield; the new orchards are seldom planted with this variety.
It comes in the following sizes 28/30, 30/32 and 32/34 nuts per ounce. Size 26/28 is also available in small quantities.
Green skinned pistachios and Kernel Pistachio :
This type of pistachio has totally green color which is used in food industrial. Commonly use to color and flavor the ice cream, chocolate or cake.