Rich in protein, the ripening of Pistachio fruits occurs in long, hot summers but the plants suffer in high humidity and are prone to root rot in winter.Pistachio trees are grown in an orchard and take around 7- 10 years for vital production with a peak production age of around 20 years. Pistachios are a part of puddings, cakes, salads, and sauces.The pistachio is a member of the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Pistachio seeds are used for human consumption. In the year 2019, Iran and the United States together produced 74% of pistachio nuts in the world. The word pistachio is derived from ‘pistace’ of late Middle English, from old French, and was superseded by the Italian ‘pistacchio’ in the 16th century. This tree is a native species of Central Asia, which includes modern-day Afghanistan and Iran. Archeological evidence shows that pistachio seeds were everyday food around 6750 BC. The first Pistacia vera trees were cultivated in the Bronze Age of Central Asia, with the earliest being from Djarkutan, in current Uzbekistan. They are grown in only a few countries including Iran in the Middle East, and American states including California (San Joaquin Valley), New Mexico (high desert), and southeastern Arizona. Other countries that produce pistachios are Syria, Greece, China, and Turkey. 98% of the pistachio crop grown in the United States is from California. Almost all of the mature female pistachio trees in California are Kerman cultivars from the Kerman in Iran.Pistachio trees are dioecious, meaning they have distinctive male and female trees. So, the male and female tree flowers are named male and female pistachios and one male tree produces sufficient pollen for eight to 12 drupe-bearing female trees. A report showed that in 2020, almost 50% of the pistachios’ world production in 2019 was from the United States and Iran’s production of this crop fell to around 7%. This was due to trade sanctions by the United States against Iran, weak management of water and economy, and climate change in Iran. It is mentioned in ‘Natural History’ that pistachio seeds were introduced to Syria by Lucius Vitellius, to Italy by Roman Proconsul, and the seed was introduced by Flaccus Pompeius into Hispania. These trees grow widely in wild mountains in Afghanistan and look like a green bush rather than a tree.If you enjoyed reading facts that answer the question about where do pistachios come from, then make sure to read some more interesting facts that reveal the answers for where do sesame seeds come from and where do pine nuts come from here at Kidadl.What are the health benefits of pistachios?Pistachio nuts have fiber, fat, protein, vitamin B6, vitamin E, copper, thiamin, and many more nutrients.The pistachio kernel seeds can be eaten either fresh or roasted. Pistachio nuts’ shells usually split before harvest and the hull covers the seed which remains intact. This crop from the cashew family is as tasty as cashews are. Pistachios are rich in antioxidants, containing high levels compared to other nuts, and these are helpful in fighting the free radicals found in the human body. These nuts effectively aid in weight loss. These fruits have important protein, nutrients, and fiber. Pistachio nuts manage and prevent type-II diabetes, as revealed by many studies. Pistachios also have properties that lower cholesterol; pistachios lower the bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in the body. Pistachios also enhance brain function and heart health, reduce blood pressure, boost blood circulation, and support the nervous system. Pistachios are a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. These fruit species also benefit skin health and prevent acne. In addition, pistachios can moisturize skin and hair, delay aging, and help with hair growth. High consumption of pistachios can lead to weight gain, constipation, kidney stones, kidney problems, and the risk of high manganese. From a nutritional perspective, the worst nuts to eat are macadamia and pecan nuts.What does pistachios fruit look like?The pistachio seed or fruit has light-green flesh with mauve skin and a distinctive flavor.A mature pistachio tree grows as tall as 33 ft (10 m) with deciduous pinnate leaves growing up to 4-8 in (10-20 cm). This pistachio tree has unisexual and apetalous flowers that are born in panicles. A group of pistachio nuts forms a cluster identical to grapes at the end of tree branches. The drupes of the fruit contain the edible seed of the plant. The seed of the fruit is used for culinary purposes. A hard, cream outer beige shell covers the fruit. This pistachio seed has light-green flesh, mauve skin, and a distinct flavor. The pistachio shell changes to autumnal red/yellow from green and splits open after the pistachio fruit turns ripe. This is called dehiscence. The weight of seed in a pistachio tree is around 110 lb (50 kg), which is around 50,000 seeds every two years.Do pistachios grow the whole year round?Pistachios nuts can grow every other year but only after the tree is mature.These desert plants are planted in orchards and can tolerate saline soil. It takes between five and eight years for pistachio trees to bear fruit, and peak harvesting can take place after 15 years. Pistachios do not do well in frigid winter conditions and prefer semi-arid summer weather. The temperature in summer must be more than 100 F (37.78 C) with well-draining soil. For about three to five years, pistachio trees can grow in a container after which they need to be transferred into the soil to grow into a tree. In the first growing season, come April, two to three young tree branches can be picked as a primary structure for pruning. These branches must be 24-32 in (60.9-81.2 cm) above the ground and the ones below this level must be removed. The pistachio tree then produces more nuts in the alternate years and this is called biennial bearing or alternate bearing. The pistachio tree lives up to 300 years. Did you know that Turkey planned to start its first eco-city by fuelling the city using pistachio shells?Where do pistachios grow in India?Pistachios grow in Jammu and Kashmir in India.Varieties of pistachio trees that grow in India are Chiko, Kerman, Peter, Joley, and Red Allepo. These nuts are called ‘pista’ in most of the states. A natural and adequate level for a growing a pistachio tree in India is found in Jammu and Kashmir. Here, the tree can be found in sandy, loam soil that is well-drained. Even though pistachios are quite tolerant, moisture must be maintained. These trees also produce nuts after 12 years. Mature trees can be identified by a hull that is separated from the shell. This separation period takes around 6-10 days. Low production, long growing periods, a hand-sorting process, and labor are some of the reasons pistachios cost so much.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion for Where do pistachios come from? Interesting nuts facts for kids then why not take a look at Why do dogs like belly rubs? And why it is your dog’s favorite thing?, or Where do baby back ribs come from? Fun food facts for kids?
Rich in protein, the ripening of Pistachio fruits occurs in long, hot summers but the plants suffer in high humidity and are prone to root rot in winter.
