Where do pistachios come from?

Legend has it that in ancient Western Asia, the Queen of Sheba loved this nut so much that she decreed that all the pistachios in the kingdom should be for her and her court. In fact, its very name, derived from the Persian "Pisteh," means wealth and fortune. And while pistachios were initially associated with the upper classes, today this crop is experiencing a resurgence, growing steadily throughout the world.

From EDYPRO We want to pay tribute and take this opportunity to congratulate the pistachio on its World Day (February 26). And we're going to do so by telling you everything you need to know about the boom we're experiencing with this wonderful nut.

A LITTLE HISTORY 

Pistachio cultivation is ancient. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans consumed and spread this delicacy. It was introduced to Italy from Syria in the 1st century and later spread to the rest of the countries in the Mediterranean basin. 

The pistachio tree arrived on the Iberian Peninsula with the Romans, flourished thanks to the Arabs, and disappeared during the Middle Ages with the Moriscos. It wasn't until 1980 that we witnessed the commercial reintroduction of this crop in Spain.

WHERE PISTACHIOS ARE GROWED TODAY

Currently, the main producing countries are Iran, the US (which is self-sufficient thanks to its Californian production), Turkey, Syria, China, and Greece. Germany is the world's largest importer, followed by Spain, France, and the countries of the Middle East. 

Focusing on our borders, Castilla-La Mancha is the undisputed leader in pistachio production and acreage across Europe. This region accounts for over 82 percent of Spain's pistachio acreage, with more than 46,000 hectares out of the 56,000 hectares nationwide. Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla y León follow. 

These figures continue to rise; in fact, we're talking about an increase of 301,000 tons in the last year, according to the Survey on Crop Areas and Yields published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. However, despite having surpassed a national production of 7,000 tons, we still cannot meet the high demand we have today.

And at this point you might be wondering, but… why is there such a high demand for this nut? Is it really that good? From EDYPRO We have a clear answer and it is a resounding YES. 

QUALITIES

  • To begin with, pistachios are the fruit with the highest potassium content you can find. They are very energizing and nutritious. They help reduce menstrual cramps, regulate cholesterol and stress, combat obesity, and maintain optimal blood pressure. 
  • It is found within the pyramid of our Mediterranean diet and you can consume it through different formulas such as salted, in confectionery, oil, charcuterie, or in ice cream. 
  • But we don't only use it for consumption; pistachio fruits are also used for... cosmetics and beauty Thanks to its many properties and benefits. It even helps us create fuel through its hard and resistant wood. 

POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS 

Despite all its positive aspects, the pistachio tree is one of the least exploited fruit trees, and upon reflection, this may be due to: 

  • The high cost of plant material
  • The use of high-level production technology
  • The lack of knowledge and experience regarding cultivated varieties
  • It takes time to bear fruit. It starts in the fifth year and reaches full production in the tenth.
  • Difficulty in the establishment of trees in new plantations

On the other hand, it needs to be planted in sunny places to be less susceptible to pests and diseases. And, although it withstands strong, dry winds, it prefers gentle breezes to increase its fruit yield. As for the soil, although it can grow in a wide range, it prefers those sandy loam, deep and well-drained. And it will be essential that it has a good pollination to obtain a large and high-quality production.

And this is where it comes in. EDYPRO with products like COUPÉ REGENERATION Plus, ORGANOVITAL PLUS, CUPRO-PLUS MAX, MELASTOP, AMINOPLUS, ALGATRON, ENDOPHOSPHITE, HYDROCAL, EDYMAG or the MAXIMUM QUALITY, Thanks to which potential drawbacks are minimized, thus helping pistachio producers to get the most out of their crops.

In this way, the "happy nut," as it is known in many countries, passes on that happiness to the one who grows it and to the one who consumes it.