Pistachio Grower Key Terms

Use key terms to learn more about growing pistachios

By Emmet McMahan

The pistachio is a small tree that is originally from the mountainous regions of the Middle East. Pistachio trees are planted in orchards and require at least seven years to produce significant numbers of nuts, with the maximum production occurring at about 20 years of age. Pistachio trees are harvested every other year and are usually pruned to make it easier to harvest the nuts. Pistachio nuts are highly nutritious and may be eaten fresh or roasted. They are also frequently used in ice cream or as garnishes with candy, salads and canned fruit.

Pistacia vera

Pistacia vera is the scientific name for the specific pistachio tree that is cultivated as a food crop. The Pistacia genus have several other species that produce less palatable nuts.
Try: California Rare Fruit Growers offers a scientific description of the pistachio tree and also briefly discusses the other trees in this genus.

Chinese pistachio

The Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis) is a tree that is highly sought in southern gardens for its beautiful fall foliage. It can tolerate a wide range of soils and is highly resistant to drought.
Try: BackyardGardener.com has a brief description of the Chinese pistachio, and provides extensive information on growing this tree.

Pistachio oil

Pistachio oil is a more unusual type of oil that goes well with salads that contain citrus fruits and spicy green vegetables. It is also commonly used in many Middle Eastern dishes.
Try: The Nibble provides an extensive glossary of many types of cooking oils and their uses, including pistachio oil.

Pistachio butter

The high fat content of pistachio nuts allows them to be made into a type of butter. Pistachio butter is commonly used as a dip for raw fruit or as a sandwich spread.
Try: Publix provides basic information on pistachio butter, such as storage tips, uses and nutritional content.

Culinary nut

A culinary nut may include any large, oily kernel that is covered by a shell, like a pistachio. The botanical use of the word "nut" is much more restrictive.
Try: Fooducate provides specific facts on pistachios, including the difference between a culinary nut and a botanical nut.

Phytophthora foot rot

Pistachio trees are vulnerable to many diseases, such as infection of the roots by Phytophthora. This fungus has been known to wipe out entire pistachio orchards.
Try: The International Society for Horticultural Sciences provides a summary of diseases that affect the pistachio tree, including Phytophthora foot rot.