Pistachio kernels are one of the most popular products in Iran. They are widely used in the food industry. Pistachio nuts are used in bakery, ice cream making, confectionery, chocolate making, cooking, and even less related industries such as sausage and salami production. Iranian pistachio kernels can be obtained from open or closed-shell pistachios. While pistachio kernels produced from the open shell, have better quality and taste, their production is more difficult. That is why the final price of the kernels produced from open shells is more expensive. For this reason, countries active in the field of pistachio production also consider pistachio kernel production as one of the essential branches of their industry. On the other hand, many merchants and buyers get confused when ordering pistachio kernels due to the variety of categories. In this article, we will examine the types of these kernels to facilitate the selection of the required product.
Pistachio kernels have many varieties. Different categories are used based on the type of pistachio that is used for production, the time of kernels harvest, and whether or not the kernels are peeled.
Common Pistachio Kernels
Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei pistachios have elongated kernels, while Kalleh-Gouchi pistachios have large and round kernels and Fandoghi pistachios have smaller and rounder kernels. Normal pistachio kernels can be recognized by their brown and red colors. This is the first layer of kernels found inside the pistachio shell.
They are divided into two groups: closed-shell and open-shell, and their production is usually fully automatic. This type of kernel is especially suitable for confectionery and where they do not need to be crunched or powdered. Some people prefer to consume pistachio kernels because they are easier to eat without the shell. This type of nut is obtained by breaking open pistachio shells. This type of kernel is divided into different classes based on the shape and the way they are crushed into pieces.
Common kernels types:
1- Whole kernels
2- Double split kernels or pistachio chips
3- four-lobed kernels
4- Crushed kernels or pistachio granules
The production process of this product is done in several stages. Our quality control unit monitors all these steps. That is why our products are free from any physical, chemical, and microbial contaminations1.
The Production Process of Ordinary Pistachio Kernels:
- Sorting: First, we sort the pistachios according to their type. We gently and carefully remove the pistachio kernel from its hard shell.
- Cracking: The shelled pistachios are broken by cracking machines. The machine separates pistachio shells and kernels.
- Second sorting: In this step, the types of whole kernels, foreign materials, and chopped kernels are separated. The sorting process can effectively remove common defects. For example, damaged, moldy, rotten, shriveled kernels, and insects will be removed.
- Packaging: Finished products are checked by X-ray machines, magnet equipment, and metal detectors. Then we pack them in 10-kg cartons and poly vacuum bags.
Common pistachio nuts are usually used to make cakes, pies, cookies, granola, nuts, and baklava.
Unripe Pistachio Kernels
Unripe pistachio nuts are harvested before they are fully ripe. They have a slightly different flavor and are preferred for certain culinary applications where a distinct flavor is desired. This pistachio nut is also called early-picked. The production process of this type of kernel is the same as the normal type. To avoid the risk of contamination, some customers purchase unripe shelled pistachios with their hard outer shell, which is called kaalak.
Peeled Or Double-Peeled Pistachio Kernels
Pistachio nuts with green color are one of the most popular types of kernels around the world. They are widely used in the food production industry. Many people refer to this type of nut as double-peeled pistachios.
These nuts are known for their exquisite green color, freshness, and unique taste. These kernels are obtained through the peeling process. Due to the time and delicate efforts required to produce these kernels, their price is higher than any other kernels. That is why pistachio nuts with green skin are known as a luxury food in the market. Based on the green shades of the pistachio nuts, they are categorized into different grades. Gradings include S, A, B, and C. The categories can continue to D, E, and F until the green color fades to yellow. Their price is determined by the degree of their green color. The best and most expensive green-skinned pistachio nuts are those with the darkest green (grade S).
Green double-Peeled pistachio kernels are classified into five groups based on different levels:
- Class S: Kernels with dark green
- Class A: Kernels with light green
- Class B: Nuts with a very light green
- Class C: Yellow-green nuts
Production Process
- Visual inspection: In this line, we manually remove any foreign material.
- Boiling: To peel the skin twice, we put the early-picked pistachio kernels in boiling water. Then remove the nuts from the water and put them in a container. After that, we remove the reddish-brown crust on the kernels. Finally, they are dried completely by drying machines.
- Sorting: In this step, we sort the kernels based on the color. Later they are checked to make sure there are no foreign substances.
- Packaging: The final product is screened by our machines and packed in 10 kg cartons and poly vacuum bags.
Whole pistachio kernels are used to prepare pistachio powder and pistachio butter. You can use its powder to decorate your food and desserts. Peeled green pistachio nuts are a good choice in the production process of sausage, chocolate, ice cream, and sweets.
The Best Way to Store Pistachio Kernels
The pistachio nuts are prone to absorb moisture and odors, and if it is not stored properly, the growth of pests will accelerate. Therefore, they can quickly lose their quality or spoil in hot and humid places. The best way to store pistachio nuts for a long time is to store them in cool conditions. This way, the quality of kernels is maintained for up to 3 years. If you want the kernels to be used in less than a year, it is a good idea to store them in the refrigerator.
This product is very sensitive to smell. Therefore, it is better to store it in closed containers or bags. You can keep green kernels at room temperature for up to three months. This period will be longer if they are stored in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep them at room temperature, it is best to put them in the freezer for 48 hours to remove any larval eggs. Kernels can be stored in the refrigerator for one year, preferably with the skin on, and they can be stored in the freezer for about one to three years.
If you have stored pistachio nuts for a relatively long time at room temperature, it is best to refrigerate them at a total temperature of less than 5 degrees Celsius before consumption.
Some Uses of Pistachio Kernels
- Grounded pistachio or pistachio powder is used in cooking, baking sweets, or decorating delicacies.
- Pistachio with chocolate coating/chocolates stuffed with pistachios. Pistachio and chocolate seem to be a good combination.
- Pistachio Oil
Pistachio oil is obtained by hard-pressing pistachios. It contains a percentage of omega-3 fatty acids that reduces the risk of diseases and heart attacks.
This oil can be distilled through a hydrophilic apparatus to remove all traces of aflatoxin that are soluble in water. Pistachio oil is commonly used in cosmetics and salad dressing.
- Pistachio Butter Or Pistachio Paste
Pistachio paste is obtained from roasted ground pistachio nuts, which can be sweetened or without added sugar. This delicious paste is a processed product that contains 100% quality Iranian pistachios. Its unique taste and strange characteristics have caused it to be used in various industries such as cooking, chocolate making, confectionery, ice cream, and dairy industries. The best thing is that the fat in this product is natural pistachio nut unsaturated fat that has no cholesterol. Pistachio butter can be used as a spread or in sweets too.
- Roasted And Salted Kernels:
These kernels are roasted and then lightly salted to increase their taste. They are popular snack options and are often used in trail mixes and as toppings for various dishes.
Pistachio Majd offers a variety of pistachio nuts in standard vacuumed 10-kg carton packages and offers a diverse selection to meet different business needs. For more information, please contact us.
