Types of pistachios And Packages
Iranian pistachios have different names according to their shapes and sizes. The major varieties and kinds of packages are as follows:
Round Pistachio (Fandoghi Pistachio):
These are the primary product for export.
Available in sizes 26-28, 28-30, 30-32
Retail Sizes in 50-100 gr are available.
Long Pistachio (Akbari Pistachio):
These are the most expensive and traditional.
Available in sizes 20-22, 22-24
Retail Sizes in 50-100 gr are available.
Long Pistachio (Ahmad aghaee Pistachio):
This kind of pistachios are a favorite amongst people in Eastern Asia.
Available in sizes 22-24, 24-26
Retail Sizes in 50-100 gr are available.
Natural Pistachio kernel (red and cream color):
These are shelled from closed pistachios.
Retail Sizes in 50-100 gr are available.
Roasted and Salted Pistachio:
These boast a very favorable taste.
Retail Sizes in 50-100 gr are available.
We can also prepare all kinds of pistachios in the following packaging :
Type of Packaging
Pistachio in different kinds of packaging in 50 , 100 , 150 gr are available.
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.
Loading capacity
| 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:
|
|
| 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.
Pistachio standards
The institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran requires that all pistachio producers must observe the fallowing standards in order to export their product:
- Without live vermin
- Without unnatural hot smell or flavor
- Of uniform size
- Maximum of other kinds and forms: 6%
- Maximum external material: 1%
- Maximum free pistachio kernels: 1%
- Maximum closed and hollow pistachios: 6%
- Maximum unripe pistachios: 8%
- Maximum verminous pistachios: 5%
- Maximum various colored: 2%
- Maximum malformed pistachios: 5%
Total aphlatoxin poison
adapt to importer country law
Note: In addition to the above conditions, processed pistachios must have the fallowing characteristics:
- Maximum salt in salted pistachios: 3%
- Maximum moisture in roasted pistachios: 2%
- Maximum burnt in roasted pistachios: 1%
Commercial packing
Pistachio packs are available in 20 kg cartons or bulk in 50 kg sacks.
Small packing
Pistachio packages are available in 250g. to 2kg packs.