Family farms have had a lot to do with the success of pistachios in the United States. Their contributions have led to new technologies, an expanded growing region and overall impressive growth over a relatively short period of time. These nuts (actually a shell covered seed), are one of my favorites and come in a variety of pistachio flavors. They are readily accessible across the country, but I still think family farms are the best at growing pistachios!
Let’s start with just a little bit of history. We don’t know for certain if pistachios are the oldest nut on the planet, but they have historical references dating back before 6000 B.C. They are likely to have originated in the Middle East, Persia (modern day Iran) or Western Asia. Pistachios were considered food for the rich and rumor has it that it was a favorite of the Queen of Sheba. I’ll let the historians debate the legendary stuff but suffice it to say the pistachio farms have a long and interesting history. Pistachios then made their way to Europe in the Middle Ages and then eventually to the United States. They became a popular import in the US in the late 1800s.
But when did we start growing pistachios in the USA? It wasn’t until American botanist William E. Whitehouse in 1930 brought back from Persia (Iran) individually selected pistachio nuts that the United States started growing its own pistachio trees. But not so fast, it takes 7-10 years for pistachio trees to mature and start producing nuts. One of the varieties that Whitehouse brought back worked well and plantings started to emerge throughout California in the 1960s.
And now? The United States has become one of the world’s largest commercial producers of pistachios. Much of the growth has come from the perseverance of family farms. From starting to commercially grow them in the mid-1970s, to being the largest producer in the world in less than 50 years…. how’s that possible? There are several reasons, including improving growing techniques, advanced production technologies, and more efficient harvesting. This has helped growers expand the growing region and produce more pistachios per acre.
California represents 99% of the commercial production, due in large part to California’s Central Valley having ideal conditions for growing pistachios (dry, hot climate and fertile soil). Arizona and New Mexico make up the balance of production in the US. The growing region in the US is relatively small because of the climate requirements. Pistachio trees like long, hot, dry, and breezy summer days. But they also need at least 700-800 hours of winter chill, defined as the number of hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit between November and March.
Pistachios are pollinated by the wind, rather than by bees like almonds. Nice spring and summer breezes are required for a good harvest. Pistachio trees are either male or female and both are needed to produce a crop. Males supply the pollen to fertilize the female flowers. One male tree can pollinate up to 30 female trees. Only the female trees produce pistachio nuts, and they tend to produce a full harvest every other year. Pistachios grow in bunches on the trees. As they ripen, the hard shells open (“splits”). Harvests take place from late August to early October. A pistachio tree can live up to 150 years.
Like many other industries, sustainability is critical for the continued success of pistachio farmers. And again, family farms have played a huge role in leading the charge for sustainable growing practices. A major concern is water efficiency. Family farms are being progressive in the preservation and conservation of water and soil. With the introduction of water management technologies and leveraging data and analytics, farms are better able to conserve water and protect the soil from erosion. In addition, composting, promoting good soil bacteria, and other land management techniques allow the farms to improve the health of the trees and surrounding environment.
Some of the most fascinating aspects of growing pistachios are the natural approaches to pest control. Nobody wants pesticides or harsh chemicals in their foods. So many of the farms are doing really cool things to combat pests that can be harmful to their crops. One example is increasing the owl population. What, why? Owls control coyotes. Owls reduce the number of mice, gophers, etc. that attract the coyotes. Farms are actually building owl boxes as well as nesting boxes for American kestrels, hawks, and other raptors to provide a nesting environment as part of their Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The pistachio is no ordinary food. The pistachio packs a nutritional wallop. The benefits are well documented. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and packed with important vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional value of pistachio nuts, raw:
|
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
%DV |
Energy |
2,340 kJ (560 kcal) |
|
Carbohydrates |
27.2 g |
|
Sugars |
7.66 g |
|
Dietary Fiber |
10.6 g |
|
Fats |
45.3 g |
|
Saturated |
5.91 g |
|
Monounsaturated |
23.3 g |
|
Polyunsaturated |
14.4 g |
|
Protein |
20.2 g |
|
Vitamins |
|
|
Vitamin A, IU |
516 IU |
17% |
Lutein + Zeaxanthin |
2900 μg |
|
Thiamine (B-1) |
0.87 mg |
76% |
Riboflavin (B-2) |
0.16 mg |
13% |
Niacin (B-3) |
1.3 mg |
9% |
Pantothenic acid (B-5) |
0.52 mg |
10% |
Vitamin B-6 |
1.7 mg |
131% |
Folate |
51 μg |
15% |
Vitamin C |
5.6 mg |
7% |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) |
2.86 mg |
15% |
Minerals |
|
|
Calcium |
105 mg |
11% |
Iron |
3.92 mg |
30% |
Magnesium |
121 mg |
34% |
Manganese |
1.2 mg |
57% |
Phosphorus |
490 mg |
70% |
Potassium |
1020 mg |
22% |
Zinc |
2.2 mg |
23% |
Source: USDA https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
Recent studies also provide evidence of additional health benefits of eating pistachios, including:
- Maintaining normal blood pressure and combating hypertension
- Part of the Mediterranean diet which promotes heart health and reduces the risk of stroke
- May boost good cholesterol (LDL)
- May help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lower incidence of gestational diabetes
- Supports healthy weight
- Supports skin health
I also love the proliferation of pistachio flavors and seasonings. Pistachios are especially good for adding natural flavors. Family farms have led the way in understanding consumer preferences and innovating new flavors, including chili lime, garlic onion, barbeque, and many more.
As you can see, family farms have been at the center of the introduction of pistachios in the United States, the rapid expansion of growing capabilities, product innovation, and the introduction of new technologies. You can check out some of these family farmers at the American Pistachio Growers (APG) website at americanpistachios.org. APG is a non-profit trade association that represents over 800 grower members in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. And you can buy pistachios online at many of the family farm websites, and of course at simplyheartland.com.
Good for you, great flavors, fun to eat, perfect for snacking…there is so much packed into this incredible nut!
Additional References:.
- https://americanpistachios.org/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1200303
- https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-016-0730
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28122479/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31921879/
- https://americanpistachios.org/research-archives/blood-sugar-research