Pistachio

In Arabic pistachios are simply “Aleppo nuts” – Syrian orchards have supplied them for baklava for centuries.

The pistachio is a small, spreading tree growing to 10 m, with pinnate, leathery leaves. The trees are male or female – only female trees, pollinated by the wind, bear fruit. The drupes contain greenish seeds whose shell splits open when ripe. The pistachio copes superbly with drought, heat and poor limestone soils, but needs cool winters.

Significance in the country

The Arabic name for the pistachio – fustuq halabi – means “Aleppo pistachio”, and Syrian nuts are considered among the tastiest. They are a key ingredient of baklava, booza ice cream and halva, and Morek in Hama Governorate is called the capital of Syrian pistachios.

Where it grows

Pistachio orchards are concentrated on the limestone plains of northern and central Syria – in the Aleppo, Hama (around Morek) and Idlib governorates.

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