Iranian pistachio grades and sizes: varieties, counts per ounce and aflatoxin

Where Iranian pistachios grow

Iran is one of the world's two largest pistachio producers. The main growing area is Kerman province, especially around Rafsanjan, Anar and Sirjan. Other important provinces include Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, Semnan (around Damghan), Yazd and Fars.

The harvest usually runs from late August to late September. Nuts are hulled, dried and sorted soon after picking, and new-crop exports usually start in the autumn. Ask for the crop year on every offer, because old-crop and new-crop nuts differ in taste and shelf life.

The six-digit HS codes are 0802.51 for pistachios in shell and 0802.52 for shelled pistachios; check the full code with your customs broker.

The four main varieties

Long varieties (Akbari, Ahmad Aghaei) and round varieties (Kalleh Ghouchi, Fandoghi) look different on the shelf and sell into different markets. The size ranges below are typical, not fixed; each lot is graded on its own.

How size counts per ounce work

Pistachio size is expressed as the number of in-shell nuts in one ounce (about 28.35 g). A grade of 20/22 means 20 to 22 nuts per ounce; 30/32 means 30 to 32 nuts per ounce. The lower the count, the larger the nut and, usually, the higher the price.

Ask the supplier how the count is measured, for example as an average of several samples, and what tolerance is allowed. A contract that says 24/26 should also say how many samples may fall outside that range.

In-shell, open and closed, and kernels

Most Iranian pistachios are exported in shell. Natural open pistachios have split shells on the tree and are sold raw or roasted and salted. The share of naturally split nuts is a key quality factor, so state a minimum share of open nuts in the contract.

Closed-shell pistachios did not split naturally. They sell at a lower price and are often mechanically opened or shelled for kernels. Mechanically opened nuts can be sold in shell, but should be declared as such.

Kernels are sold raw for confectionery, bakery and ice cream. Green peeled kernels, made from nuts harvested early, are valued for their bright green colour and sell at a significant premium. Kernel grading depends on colour, size and the share of broken pieces.

What drives price: variety and size count come first, then the share of open nuts, colour of shell and kernel, defect levels and the crop year. Kernels and green peeled kernels are priced per kilogram of kernel, so compare them separately from in-shell offers. Larger lots and standard bulk packing usually cost less per kilogram than small lots in retail packs.

• Natural open in-shell, raw
• Roasted and salted in-shell, sometimes with lemon or saffron flavour
• Closed or mechanically opened in-shell
• Kernels, whole and broken
• Green peeled kernels
• Slivers and powder for pastry

Defects to specify in the contract

• Closed nuts and blanks (empty shells) as a maximum share
• Stained or discoloured shells, which can be linked to early splitting and a higher aflatoxin risk
• Insect damage and live insects
• Foreign matter such as hulls, stones and shell pieces
• Moisture as a maximum, agreed for in-shell nuts and kernels
• Rancid or off smell

Aflatoxin: limits and testing

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by moulds of the Aspergillus genus. They can develop when nuts are damaged, split early on the tree, or are dried or stored badly. Aflatoxin is the most common reason pistachio consignments are rejected at the border, so it is the first test to require.

The EU sets maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and for total aflatoxins in pistachios, with different levels for nuts ready to eat and nuts for sorting or further processing; check the current regulation. Pistachios from Iran have for years been subject to stricter EU import conditions, which include a health certificate and lab results with each consignment and a share of consignments checked at the border. Other markets set their own limits, so check the limits in your market.

Aflatoxin is unevenly spread in a lot: a few contaminated nuts can carry most of it. Reliable results depend on proper sampling, with many incremental samples taken across the lot and combined, then ground and tested. Labs usually use HPLC or LC-MS/MS methods. Ask for a report from an accredited lab that names the sampling method, the lot number and the results for B1 and total aflatoxins.

Packaging and storage

In-shell pistachios are usually packed in 25 kg or 50 kg woven polypropylene or jute bags, or in cartons with a food-grade liner. Kernels are usually vacuum-packed or nitrogen-flushed in foil bags of about 10 kg inside cartons, because they are more sensitive to oxidation. Private-label consumer packs are possible, usually against a higher minimum order.

Store pistachios cool, dry and away from strong smells. Cold storage extends shelf life, especially for kernels. Ask the supplier for the stated shelf life and the packing date of the lot.

Buying Iranian pistachios on ASL Market

Browse listings at /buy/iranian-pistachio-exporters or /buy/iranian-nuts-wholesale, or post a buying request at /post-request with the variety, size count, form (open in-shell, kernel, roasted), maximum defects, aflatoxin limits for your market, packaging and quantity. Ask in chat for the lab report of the actual lot.

The supplier confirms price, quantity, freight, Incoterm and ship-by date. You pay in USDT, and ASL Market holds the payment until you confirm receipt, which leaves time to check size and defects on arrival; see /trade-assurance. Import rules differ by country; check your own country's rules on trade with Iran before you order.

On arrival, take samples from several bags across the lot and check size count, open ratio and defects before the goods are mixed with other stock. If your market tests at the border, keep the official sample results with the lot records.

FAQ

What does 20/22 mean for pistachios?

It means 20 to 22 in-shell nuts per ounce, which is about 28.35 g. The lower the count, the larger the nut. A 20/22 pistachio is a jumbo size, while 30/32 is small.

Which Iranian pistachio variety is the largest?

Akbari and Kalleh Ghouchi are usually the largest, typically around 20/22 to 22/24 nuts per ounce. Akbari is long and Kalleh Ghouchi is round.

What is the difference between Fandoghi and Akbari?

Fandoghi, also called Owhadi, is a small round variety and the most widely produced, usually around 26/28 to 30/32. Akbari is a long, very large variety sold as a premium nut. Fandoghi is commonly used for roasting and kernels.

What are the EU aflatoxin limits for pistachios?

The EU sets maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins, with different levels for ready-to-eat nuts and nuts for further processing. Check the current regulation, because limits and import conditions are revised.

How should pistachios be tested for aflatoxin?

By an accredited lab using a recognised method such as HPLC, on a sample built from many points across the lot. Because aflatoxin is unevenly spread, the sampling method matters as much as the test.

What are green peeled pistachio kernels?

They are kernels from early-harvested nuts with the skin removed, which gives a bright green colour. They are used in confectionery and pastry and sell at a premium over regular kernels.

When is the Iranian pistachio harvest?

Usually from late August to late September. New-crop pistachios are typically available for export in the autumn after hulling, drying and sorting.