Arizona’s tree nut industry is a thriving sector within the state's agricultural landscape, marked by its substantial contributions to the national and global markets. Yes, we’re nuts about Arizona’s pecans, pistachios and now we can even say almond trees!

Known for its favorable climate and innovative farming techniques, Arizona has become a key player in the production of a variety of tree nuts, including pecans, pistachios, and almonds. The state's arid conditions, combined with advances in irrigation technology and sustainable farming practices, have enabled it to develop a robust industry capable of producing high-quality nuts.

With an emphasis on both traditional and emerging agricultural practices, Arizona's tree nut industry not only supports local economies but also caters to a growing demand for nutritious, plant-based foods all around the world.

Most of the tree nut acres in Arizona are pecans at 27,345 acres. Pistachio acreage comes in behind pecans estimated at approximately 10,000 acres. While almonds are the smallest in acreage and does not have the production history in the state, it’s estimated that 5,000 to 6,000 acres of almonds have been planted in Arizona.

Arizona and New Mexico are showcasing their ability to produce an excellent pecan product. New Mexico has the natural advantage of high desert conditions, bright sunny days, cooler nighttime temperatures, conditions conducive to producing some of the highest yields per acre of any other pecan state. However, Texas and New Mexico pecans are smaller in size (70 nuts per pound is typical) while Georgia and Arizona pecan sizes are larger (55 to 65 nuts per pound).

Some buyers prefer the larger pecan sizes, the shellers typically blend sizes and growers are paid on a meat-point basis, meaning the payment is made on the percentage of the pecan that is kernel, and not shell (typically, about 56% meat and 44% shell).

This last Saturday on Rosie on the House, we interviewed Arizona Pecan Growers President Harold Payne. So, we had a heavy focus on pecans but were able to mention pistachios’ significance in our state as well. “Arizona yields have been steadily increasing as more orchards are coming into production,” explained Payne. “There are very few new orchards in New Mexico, due to water constraints.”

 

In the meantime, below are valuable facts about Pecans and Pistachios that we’ve gleaned from the Arizona Pecan Growers Association and the National Pecan Shellers Association.

  1. Arizona’s Green Valley Pecan Company is the World’s largest irrigated pecan orchard.
  2. To produce fruit in half the time, farmers bud or graft seedlings onto established rootstock.
  3. Pecan trees are alternate bearing and have a good crop only every other year.
  4. It takes 78 pecans to make a pecan pie, though some serious pecan pie makers suggest you should double that number!
  5. Pecans are heart-healthy and contain 19 vitamins and minerals. 
  6. Pecans are high in healthy unsaturated fat that can lower total blood cholesterol and preserve high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or “good” cholesterol.  Sixty percent of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated and another 30 percent are polyunsaturated, leaving very little saturated fat in pecans. In addition, pecans contain no trans-fat.
  7. Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.
  8. Pecans are naturally sodium free.
  9. A one-ounce serving provides 10% of the Daily Recommended Intake for fiber.
  10. Today, the U.S. produces about 80 percent of the world pecan supply. The top states, in order, are Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. 
  11. A 2011 research study from Loma Linda University demonstrates that naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention (January 2011 issue of The Journal of Nutrition). Eating pecans increased the amounts of antioxidants in the body and reduced “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
  12. Today, “pecan” is pronounced several different ways with strong differences in opinion inside of state and regional borders, even in the South. Webster’s offers three pronunciations: pi-'kän, pi-'kan and 'pe-kan.
  13. Perhaps due to glaciation, pecans died out in Europe about 2 million years ago. The tree survived in North America and Mexico, however.  Up until this year, most research says that the word pecan comes from the Algonquin Indians. According to new research from Andrew F. Smith, we don’t know whether “pecan” came from Natchez, Algonquin, or some other language. Whether it was a word commonly used among many Indian language groups is unknown. Request your free copy of the new paper by Andrew F. Smith from the National Pecan Shellers Association. 
  14. About 1,000 pecan varieties exist, many of them named after Native American tribes.
  15. Before 1920, pecans were “hand-shelled” by consumers. In 1920, commercial shelling equipment made it much easier for us to enjoy these delicacies and consumption dramatically in the 1920s and after.
  16. According to National Pecan Shellers Association consumer research: Pecan halves are the preferred form of the nut used in cooking and baking. When consumers think of pecans, they immediately associate the gems with pecan pie. 

Regarding Pistachios, we’ve obtained some great facts from the American Pistachio Growers and our Arizona pistachio farmers themselves. 

  1. Pistachios are Heart-healthy: Research shows that pistachios can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. They are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to be good for heart health.
  2. Pistachios are one of the oldest edible nuts in the world: Pistachio nuts have a long and fascinating history. They have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years and are even mentioned in the Bible. 
  3. Pistachios are known as the “skinny nut:” Compared to other nuts, pistachios have a lower calorie content per serving. They are also relatively high in fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer periods of time.
  4. Pistachios are a good source of antioxidants: Antioxidants are important for protecting the body against damage from harmful free radicals. Pistachios contain various antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, both are beneficial for eye health. 
  5. Pistachios are a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern Cuisine: Pistachios are widely used in Middle Eastern dishes, adding a delightful crunch and flavor to dishes like baklava, falafel, and various meat and rich pilaf recipes. 
  6. Pistachios are versatile to Your Culinary Creations and have been in certain dishes for centuries: Pistachios have been used in various culinary creations for centuries. They can be enjoyed on their own, added to salads, desserts, and even used as a crust for meat or fish dishes. 
  7. Pistachios are sustainably grown: Pistachio trees are well-adapted to harsh climates and require minimal water compared to other crops. This makes them a more sustainable choice for farmers and contributes to the conservation of water resources. 

 

To hear the full radio session with Harold Payne, see below.

 

Arizona’s tree nut industry growth reflects a continuing trend towards diversification in the state’s agriculture, showcasing Arizona’s adaptability and its commitment to meeting both domestic and international market needs. As the industry continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the innovative spirit driving Arizona's agricultural successes.

 

Sources: the Arizona Pecan Growers Association and the National Pecan Shellers Association at www.ilovepecans.org 

Sources: American Pistachio Growers and Arizona’s Pistachio Growers