Since you have found your way to our website, I trust you may already know a little about tree nuts. Along with our knowledge in the Almond industry we are also specializing in Pistachios.
Pistachios were imported to America in the 1880’s but the first commercial crop wasn’t produced until 1976 yielding 1.5 million pounds.
Pistachio trees begin there life cycle in a nursery where rootstock is planted, germinated and grown for nearly 15 months before being transferred to the orchard. Once in the orchard the rootstock begins to adapt to the new soil and conditions. To flourish, Pistachio trees need long, hot, dry summers, and moderately cold winter for the optimal yield.
Pistachio trees begin to produce during their sixth year and mature about 15 years after planting when they reach peak production. Harvest usually begins in early September and continues for four to six weeks. They are then shaken onto catching frames and sent on for further processing.
Pistachio crop estimates are reaching record highs almost every year at nearly 600 million pounds bringing California farmers more than $1 billion in annual revenue. California is responsible for 98% of the United States Pistachio crop.
Kern County is the leading producer of the high-energy nutrient kernel, which contains no trans fat and no cholesterol. About 90% of pistachios are roasted and salted and 65% are exported to foreign markets including Canada, Europe and Japan.
