Iran has long held the title of being one of the world’s premier pistachio producers, and at the very core of this legacy lies Kerman Province — a region synonymous with pistachio cultivation for centuries. Known for its arid climate, mineral-rich soils, and generations of agricultural expertise, Kerman is the birthplace of some of the finest pistachios the world has ever known.

At Tamila Agrifood, we are proud to work directly with growers in this legendary region to bring premium Iranian pistachios to international markets. Here’s an in-depth look at how pistachios are cultivated in Kerman and why they are so special.

Why Kerman?

Kerman Province offers an ideal environment for pistachio farming. The key contributing factors include:

•  Dry, hot summers and cool winters

•  Well-drained, sandy-loam soils rich in calcium and minerals

•  Low humidity, reducing the risk of fungal disease

•  Abundant sunshine throughout the growing season

•  Generational farming knowledge passed down for centuries

These conditions create a natural terroir that imparts distinctive flavor, larger size, and exceptional quality to the pistachios grown in the region.

Main Pistachio Varieties Grown in Kerman

Several famous Iranian pistachio cultivars thrive in Kerman, including:

•  Ahmad Aghaee – Elegant and elongated with a high open rate; ideal for premium markets

•  Fandoghi (Round) – The most widely cultivated variety in Iran; compact and flavorful

•  Akbari – Jumbo-sized and highly sought after for export to Europe and the Gulf

•  Kaleh Ghouchi – Large and round; prized for its rich taste and commercial value

Cultivation Process: From Orchard to Harvest

1. Orchard Management

Pistachio trees in Kerman are cultivated using traditional and modern techniques. Farmers meticulously manage:

•  Pruning to shape the tree and enhance fruiting

•  Irrigation through drip or flood methods (due to water scarcity, efficient irrigation is critical)

•  Organic fertilization to nourish the soil and trees

•  Pest control using both natural and targeted interventions

2. Flowering and Pollination

Pistachio trees are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. In Kerman orchards, experienced farmers ensure the optimal male-to-female ratio to support successful natural pollination by wind.

3. Nut Development & Ripening

The nuts develop through the summer months, gradually filling with kernels and eventually splitting open — a sign of maturity and a major quality factor in pistachio grading.

4. Harvesting (Late August to October)

Harvest typically occurs between late August and early October, depending on the variety and altitude. The nuts are handpicked or mechanically harvested, then immediately hulled and sun-dried to maintain freshness and prevent mold.

Post-Harvest Processing in Kerman

After harvest, pistachios undergo a series of processing steps:

•  Hulling & Drying

•  Sorting & Grading by size and openness

•  Roasting & Salting (optional)

•  Packaging for domestic use or export

Modern facilities in and around Kerman use advanced technology to ensure food safety, consistency, and customization for different markets, including the UAE, China, India, Europe, and the USA.

Sustainability and Innovation

Despite water challenges, Kerman farmers are pioneering sustainable solutions such as:

•  Drip irrigation systems to minimize waste

•  Solar-powered processing units

•  Organic farming practices

•  Crop rotation and biodiversity enhancement

These innovations ensure that Kerman’s pistachio legacy can continue for future generations — sustainably and profitably.

Tamila Agrifood: Your Gateway to Kerman Pistachios

At Tamila Agrifood, we are proud to work closely with Kerman’s top pistachio growers, offering:

•  Direct-from-farm sourcing

•  Premium quality control

•  Wholesale and retail packaging

•  Reliable shipping to the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and beyond

Our pistachios are processed, packed, and delivered with full export documentation, meeting the highest international standards.

Let’s Build Your Pistachio Business

If you're looking for a trustworthy Iranian supplier of Ahmad Aghaee, Akbari, or Fandoghi pistachios, contact us today for current prices, samples, and bulk order options.