What is Pistachio, Where Does It Grow?

Pistachio is a product that can be grown in many regions of the world when suitable growing conditions are provided. Pistachio, whose homeland is the Middle East, is produced in our country, especially in Gaziantep; It grows in Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, Diyarbakır provinces. Pistachio cultivation is carried out in Turkey, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, America, China, Greece, Syria in the world. The reason why it is known as “Damascus nut” is its origin in the Middle East.

Pistachios are among the widely consumed snacks in the world. Peanut consumption dates back to 6750 BC. It is known that the fruit of this tree has been consumed since then. Pistachio, which was included inking tables in ancient civilizations, is now available in our homes as an indispensable part of kitchens.

Growing Conditions of Pistachios

The pistachio tree is a nut that grows around Gaziantep, Siirt, and Şanlıurfa in our country. The characteristics of the soil in which the tree is planted are very important. Apart from this, irrigation and tree care for growing are also important points to consider for an efficient product. This peanut has a great economic place in our country. The price of pistachios varies according to the harvest situation according to the years. Gaziantep is a region with fertile lands in terms of pistachio cultivation.

The pistachio tree is a durable tree belonging to the gum tree family. It can easily grow in hot and dry climates. It can also be grown easily in areas with high salt content. It is easier to grow in damp areas. The pistachio tree does not need much watering as it does not like moisture. Trees can grow up to 10 meters tall. Peanuts are in the form of bunches like grapes. These clusters are called bay windows. Pistachios grown in Turkey have higher oil content than other countries. For this reason, it is more delicious than peanuts in other countries in terms of taste. Pistachio tree starts to harvest 10-15 years after planting. Therefore, it is a type of tree that grows in the long term. Pistachio tree, about 50kg every two years. enables the product. A tree that yields one year will not yield next year. For this reason, the harvest usually takes place every two years.

What Are the Benefits of Pistachios?

Although there are findings obtained as a result of scientific and clinical studies about pistachios, it is not possible to talk about the benefits of pistachios within the scope of the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims.

What Are the Types of Pistachios?

Pistachio differs according to the characteristics of the soil in which it is grown, the size of the pistachio, and the oil content in it. There are pistachio varieties such as Tekin, Barak Star, Akıncı, Halabi, Ohadi, Siirt, Iran.

About 12 varieties of pistachios grow on the territory of our country. Peanut varieties; differ in color, smell, size, and flavor. Tekin Pistachio is one of the quality pistachio species grown in Turkey. Barak star pistachio is an early maturing type of pistachio. The inner color of this peanut is dark. Harvest can be done in the first weeks of August in Gaziantep. Aleppo pistachio is a medium ripening pistachio type. It can be harvested in September in Gaziantep. Ohadi Pistachio is a type of pistachio with a late-ripening time. Siirt Pistachio is a tree species known for its ability to be harvested every year. Pistachio prices vary according to the type of product.

Consumption of Pistachios

Pistachio is a type of nut used in all areas of food. It can be consumed fresh, roasted, or salted. It can be consumed as nuts, and it is frequently used in desserts. Pistachio powder is a product that is widely used in desserts. It is also widely used in ice creams, Turkish delights, chocolates, sherbet, and milk desserts. Gaziantep is also among the local products. This peanut; can be consumed whole, broken, or powdered.

What is the Nutritional Value of Pistachios?

100gr of pistachios as nutritional value; It contains 19.3% protein, 53.7% fat, 19% carbohydrates, 121mg calcium, 500mg phosphorus, 7.30mg iron, 972mg potassium, 230mg vitamin A, 0.67mg vitamin B1, 1.40mg vitamin B6, 597 calories.