With the North American pistachio season in full swing, many are turning their attention to the California crop. While it's true that California produces about 98 percent of the pistachios in the United States, there are also commercial crops in both Arizona and New Mexico. This season's growing conditions for these states reflect what is happening in California, namely the cool spring has created an extended season with inconsistent maturing of the nuts in the individual clusters.
"September is the pistachio harvest month here in the United States," said Marianne Schweers of Heart of the Desert Pistachios in Alamogordo, New Mexico. "This year, all regions are having issues with uneven ripening. We will likely do another shake which will result in the season extending into October. Yield is determined by what happens in the spring as we need specific weather for an ideal pollination in April. This year, we had a cool spring which disrupted pollination. We also had a lot more heat in summer which had no effect on the crop, but we did require more irrigation."
'New Mexico conditions closer to Iran'
While most people are familiar with California pistachios, New Mexico growers believe their pistachios have a unique flavor. Similar to some fruits and vegetables grown in certain regions and known for their flavor, so they say New Mexico pistachios are the same, with a richer taste. The reason is that the particular conditions in the New Mexico growing regions are closest to those found in the pistachio growing regions in Iran.
"The first trees were planted on our Eagle Ranch farm in 1972," Schweers explained. "We feel like the Southwest pistachios are better and more robust flavored. Sometimes certain regions are well known for the special flavor that is apparent in their produce. The climate and environmental conditions in New Mexico are the closest to those found in Iran, where they have been growing pistachios for thousands of years. This is why we believe New Mexico pistachios taste so great."
Export market will be greatly challenging
One of the major challenges for the US crop this year will be the export market. Although Schweers said their company does not export pistachios, they are directly affected by the export market and how it interrelates with the domestic market. 70 percent of US-grown pistachios are exported and with the tariff situation between China and the US, growers are finding ways in which to still get pistachios exported.
"China has been a big consumer of US-grown pistachios, so the big question this year will be how to maintain that market," Schweers noted. "It's interesting to note that the tariffs only apply to fresh or raw nut products, not those that have been roasted and salted. Since the majority of the exported nuts are shipped raw and subsequently processed in China, many in the industry here are busy working out if processing them here in the US will be a viable alternative. Additionally, there are many emerging markets that might take some of the potential slack. Heart of the Desert distributes nationwide and we do not export. However, if the domestic market is flooded with product, smaller growers will be greatly affected."
More promotions expected
US growers will be eager to maintain the export levels, but it is likely that more product will flow into the domestic market. If this is the case, consumers in the US can expect to see more promotions and cheaper prices.
"We listen to and respond to the market and deal with issues as they come," Schweers said. "There is likely to be more promotions and deals for the domestic market this year depending on what happens with exports. Pistachios are a complete food and contains many amino acids that the body requires. They are also an ideal, healthy snack to have. It's even been said that placing a bowl of pistachios on the table at a business meeting calms tension, as the attendees are busy taking the nuts out of the shell! We look forward to bringing our New Mexico pistachios to the market this year."
For more information:
Marianne Schweers
Heart of the Desert Pistachios
Tel: +1 (575) 434-0035
sales@heartofthedesert.com
www.heartofthedesert.com