Where in New Mexico do they grow pistachios?

Alamogordo
Welcome to Pistachio Land! You can find this incredible roadside attraction right here in Alamogordo, New Mexico. This is the World’s Largest Pistachio, ranking in at 30 feet tall.

What kind of nuts are grown in New Mexico?

Each of the state’s top nuts — piñons, pecans, peanuts, and pistachios — has its own story to tell about how and why it is grown and harvested. Few crops are more diverse and more individually tied culturally and economically to the various geographical areas of New Mexico than the state’s bountiful nut crops.

What state produces the most pistachios?

California
The American Pistachio Industry Today Today, the states of California, Arizona and New Mexico represent 100 percent of the U.S. commercial pistachio production. California comprises 99 percent of the total, with over 312,000 acres planted throughout 22 counties.

Where do pistachio trees grow best?

Pistachio trees grow best and produce the most nuts in an arid semi-desert climate with long, dry, hot summers, low humidity and cool but not frigid winters. During the growing season, pistachio trees thrive on heat.

Where in New Mexico is the world’s largest pistachio?

Where exactly can you find the world’s largest pistachio? You will find it in Otero County. It’s along US 54 between Alamogordo and Tularosa at the McGinn’s Pistachio Tree Ranch. The owner, Tim McGinn, said he wanted to pay tribute to his father, Tom McGinn, who founded the farm.

How much can you make per acre of pistachios?

Blackwell reported crop yields from 3,000 pounds per acre to 4,000 pounds per acre. Normal off-year yields range from 2,000 pounds per acre to 2,200 pounds per acre.

Why are pine nuts so expensive?

Pine nuts are one of the more expensive nuts on the market because of the time required to grow the nuts and the effort to harvest the seeds from their protective encasement.

Are pinon nuts and pine nuts the same?

Are Pine Nuts and Pinon Nuts the Same? No, not quite. Although the word “pinon” is derived from the Spanish expression for pine nut, pinon nuts grow only on pinon trees. Although all pine trees produce edible seeds, the mild flavor of the pinon nut is far superior.

What happens if you eat too many pistachios?

Since pistachios contain fructans, eating too many of them can cause bloating, nausea or abdominal pain.

Where are the best places to grow pistachios?

Pistachios love the desert heat and are most often grown in New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California. They can grow in other dry, hot areas like West Texas as well, but do not do well in areas with cold winters or summers that stay under 100ºF for most of the season.

How tall should pistachio trees be in New Mexico?

Trees should not be planted above 4,500 feet elevation because cool summer temperatures do not promote good kernel development. Also, temperatures below 10° F can kill the tree, especially young trees.

Can a pistachio tree get sunburn in New Mexico?

Pistachio trees can sunburn in New Mexico if trees are trained to open vase-shape like in California. The high sunlight in New Mexico may force pistachio growers to limit thinning cuts of secondary branches to prevent sunburn in branches. It also protects trees more when branches are bent down by the weight of the foliage and the nuts.

How long does it take a pistachio tree to grow?

Pistachio grows to a peak production within seven to ten years, and it produces in alternate years. Because of its decent, the tree grows in selective places and conditions. It generally requires moderately high temperatures for proper growth and production. Here is a summary of its habitat requirements.