Pistachios Tree

An Introduction of Green Nuts – Pistachios

History of Pistachios

The pistachio probably originated in central and southwestern Asia. Local human populations used the wild trees as a source of fuel and for heavy pasturing of cattle. The presence of pistachio nuts in archeological excavations provides evidence that the pistachio has long been associated with human activities. Pistachio cultivation is very ancient; in fact, remnants of pistachio nuts dating from 6 BC have been found in Afghanistan and Iran.

Characteristics of Pistachio Tree 

The pistachio tree belongs to the Angiosperm group and the Anacardiacea family and belongs to the Pistacia genus. Pistachio forests are usually at 600-1800 meters above sea level. The pistachio tree has a slow growth, its height is up to 6 meters, and the lifespan of the natural plant is estimated to be 1000 years, and the modified pistachio is estimated to be 500 years; but under natural conditions, it consists of a short trunk with large and wide branches. Its skin is dark gray; the wood of young trees has a greenish or silvery brown color, and their leaves are compound and have 5-7 large leaflets. The flowers male and female bloom in separate trees, and if in the field; there is no male tree; a female tree cannot be fertilized alone, (One male tree is needed for 6-10 female trees). Therefore, pistachio trees are called dioecious. The pistachio fruit is double-skinned; they produce fruit in the branches like grape clusters. When the outer skin is cooked, it takes on the color of light straw, red purple, or a combination of the above-mentioned colors. When it is held between the fingers, it slips due to pressure.

A significant percentage of pistachio bony skin opens at the top when it is cooked, which is called smiling pistachio integument. Pistachio kernels are creamy green or yellow in color.

Pistachio grows in different types of light sandy loam and also grows in clay, but it develops mostly in sandy loam. Experiments have shown that in all kinds of alkaline soils that have a large amount of sodium chloride (NaCl); If animal manure is mixed, it is useful for the growth of pistachios in the teapot. Pistachios grow in many unfertile soils, especially in clay soils and relatively salty soils that are not suitable for the growth of other plants. But it is sensitive to high humidity of air and ground.

In its natural state, it grows in rocks (transmitted by birds, rats and floods) and this plant needs less water. Pistachio plant in low water areas; Dry and semi-dry can grow easily. It is compatible with hot, moderate and cold weather, but dry climate is more suitable for this plant.

Maximum temperature for pistachio development is up to 40 degrees Celsius in summer and minus 9 degrees Celsius in winter. And it can withstand up to minus 18 degrees Celsius.

The amount of annual rainfall is at least 125 mm (5 inches) and an average of 250-370 mm (10-15 inches) is necessary for the growth and development of plants.