Nutritional Value of Pistachios
Pistachios are a very nutritious product. Providing consumers with a rich energy level, pistachios also contribute to cell regeneration thanks to the vitamin B6 they contain. This nutrient is also very important for skin health. It is also effective in eliminating signs of aging and preventing skin conditions such as eczema.
Pistachios are considered by scientists as a substitute food source for meat. People who cannot consume enough meat or prefer a vegetarian diet can fill the gap by consuming this nutrient. Furthermore, the magnesium and manganese minerals contained in the product can contribute to increased body resistance and a strengthened immune system.
Things to Consider When Buying Pistachios
Pistachios can be found in almost all nut shops and markets. This product is available in salted, shelled, unshelled, or sweetened varieties. The pistachio's shell protects it from all kinds of external influences. Salted or sweetened pistachio varieties may not be preferred due to their high sugar and sodium content. Considering that products sold without shells are also exposed to the outside air, the most ideal pistachio variety is the classic, shelled variety.
Where Do Pistachios Grow?
Pistachio production areas should be sunny and well-drained. The soil should be well-drained. Pistachios, which have an added tolerance to salty soils, are essentially a desert plant. Nowadays, pistachios can be grown outside of desert areas, and you can get the best yields by fertilizing them with saltwater. Genetically adapted to desert climates, pistachios are unaffected by major temperature fluctuations. They can survive between 10 and 48 degrees Celsius. Humidity is the pistachio tree's biggest enemy. Therefore, production areas must be dry. Overwatering damages the tree's roots and quickly causes them to rot. The most suitable climate conditions for growing pistachios are regions with long, hot summers.
The most ideal environment for planting pistachios is orchards with fruit trees. Harvesting should be expected within 7-10 years of planting. A one-year waiting period should be allowed between production periods. In other words, the tree is harvested once every two years. The most productive harvest period is the 20th year after planting. Patience is essential throughout all tree production stages. Once all the necessary conditions for plant growth are met, there should be no rush to harvest. Once the tree's needs are met, the harvest will definitely be achieved within the expected timeframe.
Pistachios, which provide significant income for investors thanks to their valuable fruit, are a product in demand worldwide. They are particularly popular in Central Asian countries, considered their homeland. Iran is the world's largest pistachio producer, followed by the United States and Türkiye.
