Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is one of the largest and the most delicious types of Iranian commercial pistachio, and is very popular in the Iranian market as well as the global markets. This type of pistachio is the most delicious type of Iranian pistachio in terms of taste and in terms of production amount, it has the most abundant type of pistachio because of its high quality in grafting and high yield in Iran.
Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is almond-like, elongated, and larger than Fandoghi Pistachio and smaller than Akbari Pistachio, and in appearance it is similar to Jumbo Pistachio (Kalle-Quchi). Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) kernel has the most delicious taste among all types of pistachio and the color of its kernel is lighter than other types of Iranian pistachio and is purple.
The hard shell of this pistachio is also brighter and whiter than other types of export pistachio in Iran. Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is very popular not only in Iran but also has many enthusiasts in most global markets such as Greece and India. This type of pistachio is produced in large quantities in 22-24, 24-26, 26-28 sizes and is produced less in the size of 20-22 in Iran’s pistachio-rich regions.
The appearance of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
- The color of pistachio shell: bone white.
- The surface color of pistachio kernel: light red
- The frequent color of pistachio kernel: jade green
- The weight of totally dried pistachio: 2-2.20 cm.
The characteristics of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
The shell of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is green and turns into red when ripening. On average, each pistachio of this type has a length of 2 cm and a width of 1.2 cm, showing that Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is very large. The pistachio smiling crack is the same on both the abdomen and back. This type of pistachio is roughly rectangular-like, its kernel is purple, and its shell color is very bright bone. It usually starts ripening from the tip. In terms of ounce, Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is most abundant in 25 to 26, which is about 2 cm in size. Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is placed in the group of elongated or almond-like pistachios and has a very attractive appearance. The percentage of Long Pistachio’s (Ahmad Aghaei) being smiling has been estimated at 74%.
Long Pistachio’s (Ahmad Aghaei) tree
The height of Long Pistachio’s (Ahmad Aghaei) tree is about 309 cm and the tree crown is approximately 394 cm. This tree blooms around the beginning of April and flowers for about 12 to 13 days.
Long Pistachio’s (Ahmad Aghaei) tree has to a large extent the characteristics of Jumbo Pistachio’s (Kalle-Quchi) tree, and each of its clusters has a length of 12.21 cm and a width of 9 cm. Unlike other pistachios, the cluster of this type of pistachio is low in yield. The weight of each pistachio cluster of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is about 56 g in fresh state and 47 g in dried state. About 30 pistachios grow in each cluster, of which 15% may be hollow and 6% may be closed-mouth. Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) ripens early and its fruit yielding is very good, so that each tree has an average load of 20 kg.
The harvest time of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
The harvest time of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is in early September, but its exact time varies every year. Soil condition, weather condition, tree’s pollination status, soil salinity and irrigation at harvest time directly affect Long Pistachio’s (Ahmad Aghaei) tree yield.
Long Pistachio’s )Ahmad Aghaei( nutritional value and medicinal benefits
Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei), like other Iranian commercial pistachio types, contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, copper and sodium. The abundance of potassium in pistachio is so high that it is equal to the amount of potassium in an orange. There are free radicals causing heart disease and various cancers, but the antioxidants in pistachio neutralize these radicals. Moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin is also achieved due to the presence of antioxidants in pistachio. The fiber in pistachio helps digestion and improves gastrointestinal function. Because of having fatty acids, pistachio stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth and health. People with high blood pressure should use this type of pistachio as raw pistachio.
Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) storage conditions
Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) should be stored at a cool, close to zero, temperature to preserve its flavor and to prevent the growth of aflatoxin fungus on its surface. Pistachio is a type of dried fruit that easily suffers from pests and loses its flavor if stored in inappropriate conditions. Of course, in large quantities, using tablets in warehouses prevents its spoilage.
The uses of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
Due to its large size and good taste, Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) has various uses. This delicious pistachio is very popular among domestic and foreign consumers as raw and salty. Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) kernel is one of the most delicious types of pistachio kernels and is used as sliced in home usages such as sweets and traditional foods and is also used in industries such as confectionery and ice cream making.
The price of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
The price of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is determined according to the percentage of smiling, the percentage of mouth closing, the pistachio size, and the pistachio appearance. Also, the type of pistachio processing and its preparation is effective in the price of this type of pistachio.
The export of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
The export of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is expanding remarkably because of its excellent quality, high percentage of being smiling, and good taste. Most European, American and Arab countries are eager to this type of Iranian pistachio. Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) is exported to different markets based on its quality, size, percentage of being smiling and price, and each country demands a special quality of this type of pistachio.
Quality-based export markets of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei)
Smiling natural pistachio with aflatoxin below 5 ppm: The main buyers of this type of Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei) with authorized aflatoxin certification are various European countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany, England.
Medium and small pistachio sizes with authorized aflatoxin: Usually the destination of this type of pistachio is Arab countries.
First-class smiling Long Pistachio (Ahmad Aghaei): Because this type of pistachio has a delicious taste, Indians and Greeks are its main customers.
First-class smiling unnatural pistachio: Usually the destination of this pistachio is the northern countries. Russian traders tend to use Iranian cheap pistachio and this type of pistachio is an appropriate option for them.
Closed-mouth pistachio: This type of pistachio is considered as a healthy product due to being closed-mouth and safe from the penetration of the pests into its kernel. Usually, Japan tends to buy this type of pistachio. After buying this type of pistachio, the Japanese themselves open the pistachio mouth and make a good profit for it.