Description
Green Peeled Pistachio Kernels are the edible kernels obtained from early-
harvested (immature or “green”) pistachio nuts, which are harvested
before full physiological maturity to preserve an intense natural green
color. After harvest, the nuts are promptly shelled and the thin brown skin is removed by controlled blanching or mechanical peeling.
Kernels are then graded by natural green color intensity, size, and visual
quality.
The product contains no added colorants or artificial dyes; the green color is characteristic of immature cotyledons and is a desirable trait for high-value culinary and confectionery applications. Kernels exhibit a tender yet firm texture, a distinct pistachio aroma, and a clean, mildly sweet flavor (less starchy than fully mature kernels).
Typical end-uses include premium confectionery, baklava and pastry fillings, pistachio paste, ice cream, chocolate inclusions, gourmet snacks, and specialty dairy products. The product shall be free from foreign matter, off-odors, and rancidity, and shall comply with applicable limits for moisture, mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxins), pesticide residues, and microbiological contamination according to relevant international and destination-market regulations.
Classification (Grades):
Green Peeled Pistachio Kernels are classified into quality grades according to color intensity, size uniformity, presence of defects, and cleanliness. Grading is typically performed visually and/or by optical color sorting systems.
Grade S (Super Green):
Darkest green kernels, fully intact, uniform in size and shape. Represents the highest quality of immature pistachio kernels harvested at an early stage. Deep dark green with occasional olive-green tones. Premium confectionery, luxury chocolate, ice cream decoration.
Grade A (Natural Green):
Slightly lighter than S grade with good uniformity and mostly whole kernels. Excellent balance of color and flavor. Bright deep green to medium-green. Confectionery, pastries, pistachio slices, pistachio paste and food decoration.
Grade B (Bright Green):
Noticeably lighter than A grade; minor variation in color allowed. Kernels are maturely green with slight yellow undertones. Medium green to yellow-green. General confectionery use, bakery, fillings, and pistachio paste.
Grade C (Yellow-Green):
Mixed color appearance; combination of medium and yellow-green kernels. Slightly higher percentage of split or smaller kernels. Yellow-green with pale green parts. For industrial food processing, paste production, and fillings.
Grade D (Pale yellow-green):
Mainly yellow-green kernels with a small proportion of darker pieces. Lower intensity of green color. Light yellow green. Noticeably lighter color, more mixed hues. Used in ice cream flavoring and bakery fillings.
Grade F (Broken Mix of S, A, B):
Fragments and small pieces obtained from grades S, A, and B during sorting. High color intensity but irregular shape. Mixed deep to medium green shades. Ideal for pistachio paste, fillings, and industrial blending where visual appearance is not critical.
Grade H (Broken Mix of C, D):
Fragments and small kernels derived from grades C and D. Predominantly yellowish-green in color. Light yellow-green with few pale green parts. color may vary; not sorted by color. Suitable mass food processing where color uniformity is less important. Grinding, fillings, or powder production.