Description
Regular Pistachio kernels normally come from two types of pistachios, closed shells pistachios, and open shell pistachios, and kernels can be from any type of pistachios.
Open shell pistachio kernels are rich in color and size. This type of Iranian pistachio kernels are taken from open shell pistachios, which are cracked by hand, hence the procedure takes longer time also the price is higher compared to closed shell kernels.
Closed shell pistachios transfer to cracking factory in order to get cracked and extract kernels. The whole procedure is fully automated. The color of this type is slightly lighter than open shell pistachio kernel, but it is more reasonable and more affordable in price. This type of pistachio kernel suits for confectionery or cooking then the kernels need to be blended or make powder of it.
This is the peeled Kal pistachio kernel (unripe pistachio). Its vivid green color is due to the early harvest. After harvesting, we firstly expose the Kal pistachio to sunshine for few days and then shell them and extract the kernels. Secondly, we dip the kernels into boiling water in order to remove the softened seed peel.
Green Peeled kernel is known as the most premium and expensive sort among all types of kernels. It is often used as a luxurious ingredient in various industries such as pastries, chocolate, ice cream, sausages, and ham.
Based on the intensity of green color, it is categorized in 5 grades. The market gives it premium prices to the more intense green colored kernels.
Kal pistachio kernel is normally harvested one month earlier (in July and August) before it becomes completely ripe. Kal means raw in Persian. Unripe crops tend to yield better green color and this is the difference from regular pistachio kernel.
There are 4 categories of Kal Pistachio Kernel according to the % of green color kernels :
Superior grade: 90% of the total quantity is green
Grade1: 80% of the total quantity is green
Grade2: 70 % of the total quantity is green
Grade3: 60% of the total quantity is green
