The harvesting process of Badghis pistachios begins with the careful identification of the perfect time to pick. In the wild forests of Badghis Province, pistachios naturally ripen in the late summer, typically around July to August. Unlike farmed pistachios that are mechanically harvested, our pistachios are handpicked by local families and communities, ensuring that each nut is gathered at the ideal moment. The wild pistachio trees grow in the rugged terrain of Badghis, where the trees are scattered among the hills and forests, making the harvest a more intimate and labor-intensive process. The harvesters, who are often local villagers, know the terrain well and use traditional techniques to climb the trees and gather the ripe pistachios. The nuts are carefully picked by hand to ensure minimal damage to both the tree and the fruit. Each nut is evaluated for ripeness, and only the mature ones are selected. This labor-intensive method helps maintain the quality and integrity of the pistachios, ensuring that they are perfectly ready for processing.
Once collected, the pistachios are immediately taken to processing areas, where they undergo a natural drying process. Sun-drying is the preferred method for drying pistachios in Badghis, as it helps preserve their rich flavor and maintain the nutrients. After drying, the nuts are meticulously sorted by hand to remove any imperfect or damaged pistachios. This sorting process ensures that only the highest-quality pistachios are packed for sale. The in-shell pistachios are then prepared for storage and packaging, while the shelled pistachios are separated and cleaned. Throughout the entire process, sustainability and quality control remain the top priorities. The harvesting and processing are done in a way that protects the integrity of the wild pistachio forests, with minimal environmental impact. This careful, traditional approach to harvesting, combined with the purity of the natural surroundings, results in Badghis pistachios that are unmatched in flavor, nutritional value, and quality.