What Are Different Types of Persian Pistachios

Pistachio is known as one of the most important dried fruits in the world and has a high nutritional value. Persian pistachios due to their high quality and unique flavor are exported to many countries.  

In this article, you can get familiar with different types of Iranian pistachios. So, you can choose your favorite type with more information.

Persian Pistachios from Different Aspects!

Pistachio nut has a wide range of diversity. More than 60 types of pistachios have been discovered in Iran. This diversity is because of the number of regions growing pistachios in Iran. Each type has a local name that mostly signifies the shape of that nut. One thing that makes Iranian pistachios interesting is that each type has its own characteristics and properties. They are classified based on different criteria such as appearance, taste, how they are processed, and etc.

You can investigate pistachio nuts from these aspects. Then you will realize that you have a wide range of choices to choose your favorite type that fits you the best.

Based on Appearance

Persian pistachios in terms of their appearance are classified into two groups of hazelnut and almond shape.

Hazelnut Shape Pistachios

There are two varieties of Persian pistachios that are classified into hazelnut- shape group:

1. Fandoghi: It is the most cultivated type among other varieties in Iran.  Because of its high volume of production, it is very reasonable in price. This reason has made the Fandoghi pistachio the most exported type of Iranian pistachio.
2. Kalle Ghouchi: It is round in shape but it is larger than the Fandoghi and has a larger size of the kernel. The distinctive taste and high level of unsaturated fat of this type have made Kalle Ghouchi pistachio a perfect choice for snacks.

Almond Shape Persian Pistachio

Almond shape pistachios are now cultivated mostly in Khorasan, Kerman, and Yazd.

There are two varieties of Persian pistachios that are classified into almond- shape group:

1. Akbari: It is the longest Persian pistachio variety and has the darkest shell color. This type of pistachio is the most expensive Persian pistachio type as it needs more time and maintenance to fully grow.
2. Ahmad Aghaei: It is bigger than Fandoghi and smaller than Akbari pistachio. Most farmers prefer to grow Ahmad Aghaei pistachio because of its high yield and shorter production time. One characteristic that distinguishes Ahmad Aghaei pistachio is the color of its outer shell which is brighter than other varieties.

Pistachio Kernels

• Normal Pistachio Kernel: It is usually obtained by breaking the closed-shell pistachio.
• Kaal Pistachio Kernel: It is obtained from pistachios that have not yet fully developed and are picked much earlier from the tree.
• Green Pistachio Kernel: to obtain this luxurious food ingredient, Kaal kernel should go under the skinning process. Green peeled pistachio Kernels are known for their fresh green color and unique taste. 

Type of Persian Pistachios

Persian pistachios are divided into four groups according to their shape and size:

1. Round: This type of Pistachio is smaller than other kinds of Iranian pistachio and larger than hazelnut. Because of its small size, the number of Round pistachios in one kilogram is more than other types. Therefore, it is more economical and has the largest volume for export.  The surface color of the kernel is purple and the color of the skin is cream.
2. Jumbo: One of the best pistachios varieties in Iran is Jumbo Pistachio which is one of the most commercial and economical types in Iran. The popularity of the Jumbo Pistachio is due to its large nuts and good taste. It may be similar to round pistachio, but it is generally larger and has a heavier weight, and therefore has a smaller number per kilo. Also, its kernel has red-gray core color and its skin has bone-white color with medium opacity.
3. Long: This type of pistachio is larger than the Jumbo pistachio. Due to its delicious kernel and large size, it is widely used as a luxury nut. It is usually used for making pistachio slices because of the length of this type. The color of its kernel is purple and the color of the bone skin is very light.
4. Super Long: This type of pistachio is almond-shaped with a unique taste and texture and produce only in Iran. It is popular for its highest economic value among other types and is popular in East Asia, Europe and Russia. The surface color of the kernel is purple-brown and the bone skin color is dark cream.

Based on Flavor of Persian Pistachios

Probably, you have also heard that Persian pistachios are the best pistachios in the world. Truly, what makes Persian pistachios so special? And what makes them so delicious?

One of the reasons that make Persian pistachios so delicious is because of their high content of fat. Another reason is the proper cultivation condition in Iran. This is due to the high altitude of pistachio orchards in Iran. These orchards are located between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level. On the other hand, due to the high-temperature difference between day and night. In addition to high humidity and air pressure in high altitudes, conditions for growing pistachio in Iran are the best.

Akbari, Ahmad Aghaei, Kalleh Ghouchi, and Fandoghi are among the most delicious types of pistachios. They are unrivaled in terms of taste around the world. Now it is true that the United States has surpassed Iran in terms of producing pistachio. But, it seems that Persian pistachios can take advantage of this asset (better taste), and still have the best pistachio nuts in the global markets.

Based on Processing

Pistachio nut has different layers of skin that can be separated through processing. Therefore, pistachio product is available in different forms.  Pistachio processing, which includes separating skin layers from pistachio, washing, and sorting, is done in a place called a pistachio recording terminal. Pistachio terminals are usually located in cities that produce pistachios in large quantities.

• Traditional processing

In this case, most of the work is done manually by the labor. The only part that may be done by the machine is the skinning step. This method is very slow and costly.

• Semi-mechanized processing

In this case, peeling, cleaning, and preparing pistachios are done mechanically. After dehydration step in, Pistachios are dried under the sunlight in the pistachio terminal.

• Mechanized processing

In this method, all of the steps in pistachio production are performed by the machine. Also, drying is done mechanized without the need for sunlight.

• Intelligent mechanized processing

This method is the most optimal and the fastest one.  All the stages of pistachio processing are done by machines. In addition, the pistachio sorter separates the open-shelled and closed-shell pistachios. Also, typical defects such as insect-damaged, moldy, decayed, shriveled, broken, and any other foreign materials will be removed mechanically.

Different Persian Pistachio Products

Delicious products with Persian Pistachios

Iranian pistachios because of their taste and high content of fat are used in the food industry a lot. There are different Persian pistachio products available in the market. Each of these products has its own applications and usage in the food industry.

Here are some popular flavored pistachios in Iran:

• Salt-flavored pistachios
• Pepper-flavored pistachios
• Pistachio with saffron flavor
• Vinegar-flavored pistachios

Also, some delicious Persian pastries made with pistachios are mentioned below:

• Halva: It is a sweet candy that is very popular in the Middle East. Although Halva is not made entirely of pistachio, it is a key flavor profile in the best Halva.

• Pistachio Chocolate Bark: Pistachio and chocolate seem to make a good mix. And, the majority of pistachio treats made with chocolate will be shelled pistachios.

• Gaz: this dessert is chewy and brittle, mixed with pistachios and scented with rosewater.  Its name has come from the Persian word gaz-angebin which means sap of angebin.

• Baklava: It is a flaky and crispy layer of pastry with chopped pistachios soaked in juicy syrup and rose water, cardamom, and nutty brown butter.

Sum up!

Persian pistachios are well-known because of their unique characteristics around the world. For sure, the Iranian pistachio offers a unique and wonderful flavor that no other nut does. Now that you have an idea of the different types of Persian pistachios and their usage, you can start stocking your cabinets.