Pistachio farming has ancient roots, with evidence of cultivation dating back thousands of years in the Middle East, particularly in modern-day Iran and surrounding regions. Historically, pistachios were valued by Persian royalty and traded along the Silk Road, spreading their cultivation to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Today, Iran remains one of the world’s leading producers of pistachios, renowned for its high-quality nuts. The United States, especially California, has become a major player since the 20th century, utilizing advanced agricultural techniques to boost yields and quality. Other significant producers include Turkey, which has a long tradition of pistachio farming, as well as Syria and China. Together, these countries dominate global pistachio production, supplying both domestic and international markets with this prized nut.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 523,900 |
| 2 | Iran | 135,000 |
| 3 | Turkey | 119,355 |
| 4 | China | 78,818 |
| 5 | Syria | 43,104 |
| 6 | Madagascar | 5,540 |
| 7 | Tunisia | 3,123 |
| 8 | Afghanistan | 2,788 |
| 9 | Australia | 1,511 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat