Food - Drink
Most Of The Pistachios In The US Come From This State
By NATASHA BAILEY
Pistachios are one of the most popular types of nuts, but also one of the most expensive and hardest to cultivate. The Cold Wire explains that the pistachio plant's long growing season, generally low yield, and high demand keep pistachio prices up, even in the U.S., where a majority of the world's pistachios are produced.
Pistachio trees are hardy, but thrive in warm, dry summer climates, and are believed to be native to modern Iran. In 2021/2022, the U.S. was responsible for 67% of worldwide pistachio production, thanks to a certain warm-weathered state: California, which began its long history of pistachio cultivation in 1875.
California alone is responsible for 99% of U.S. pistachio production, and the Gold State supplies over 79 million pounds of pistachios annually. Other states like Arizona and New Mexico also grow pistachios, but only make up 1% of domestic production, and a million pistachios is a puny number when compared to California's output.