The coloring of the shells was so common, that many people thought the color of the pistachio shells actually was red. The natural color is a light beige. We prefer to market our pistachios in their natural state. Not at this time. Right now, the demand for nutmeats is too great to add another product requiring a shelled nut, and the sauce, using red chile powder in the recipe, sticks fine to the shell.
Pistachios are a native plant to desert environments.
The tree has the narrowest parameter for temperature requirements of any commercial tree crop. The tree will grow in humid climates, but the humidity interferes with the development of the nut itself. Long, hot, dry summers give the best nut development. All Rights Reserved.