Nestled on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, Damghan, a historic city in Semnan Province, is one of Iran’s hidden gems in the world of pistachio cultivation. While provinces like Kerman are often spotlighted, Damghan pistachios have quietly earned a reputation for their exceptional sweetness, unique flavor, and natural quality—making them a favorite among local and international buyers.

Why Damghan Pistachios Stand Out

The pistachios grown in Damghan benefit from a rare combination of natural factors that contribute to their quality:

•  Arid Climate with Hot Summers and Cold Winters

Pistachio trees thrive under temperature extremes, and Damghan offers the ideal conditions for healthy tree growth and nut development.

•  High Altitude & Mineral-Rich Soil

The mountainous terrain and soil composition enhance the flavor and nutrition profile of the pistachios, giving them a distinctly sweet, non-bitter taste.

•  Clean Irrigation Water

Unlike some other pistachio-producing areas, Damghan still enjoys relatively clean and uncontaminated water sources, which plays a key role in nut purity and taste.

Popular Varieties Grown in Damghan

Damghan is especially known for a few prized pistachio cultivars:

•  Abbas Ali Pistachio: Exclusive to Damghan, this variety is renowned for its elongated shape, bright shell, and super-sweet kernel.

•  Akbari: A premium, long, and bold variety appreciated for its elegant appearance and commercial value.

•  Ahmad Aghaei: Loved for its large size and whitish shell; commonly used for export and festive occasions.

Each of these varieties is carefully hand-picked and naturally sun-dried, maintaining the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

Pistachio Harvesting in Damghan

The pistachio harvest in Damghan typically begins in late August and continues into September. The process is labor-intensive but rewarding:

1. Manual Harvesting: Most pistachios are still picked by hand to avoid damage.

2. Hulling & Drying: After harvest, the nuts are hulled and then dried under the sun—an eco-friendly method that preserves flavor.

3. Sorting & Grading: Pistachios are graded based on size, open-mouth rate, and appearance—especially important for export.

Economic and Cultural Importance

For Damghan, pistachios are more than just a crop—they’re a symbol of heritage and pride. Thousands of local families depend on pistachio farming for their livelihood. The city also hosts seasonal festivals and exhibitions, celebrating its pistachio industry and connecting farmers with buyers and traders from across the country and abroad.

Pistachios from Damghan in the Global Market

While the output from Damghan is smaller than regions like Kerman, the premium quality of its pistachios has helped the city carve a niche in the export market. Countries in the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia actively seek out Damghan pistachios due to their natural sweetness, unique aroma, and lower aflatoxin risk compared to mass-produced alternatives.

Why Choose Damghan Pistachios for Your Business?

If you're looking to offer your customers or partners a premium-quality product with artisanal roots, Damghan pistachios are an excellent choice. Whether you run a gourmet store, a bakery, or a nut wholesale business, sourcing from Damghan can add value and authenticity to your brand.

Tamila Agrifood Company proudly offers direct-from-farm pistachios sourced from Damghan—fresh, certified, and ready for global shipment.

Contact us today to request a quote, get a free sample, or learn more about our supply chain from orchard to export.