Mukhtar Al Souq The truth from the market, for the people
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Aleppo pistachio
Where it grows, and which types are sold

Episode date: Length: 1 min 25 s Page published: · Last checked:

It is called "Aleppo" pistachio (fustuq halabi), but does it come from Aleppo? The Mukhtar asked nut sellers in Damascus where pistachios grow today and how the types in the market differ.

The short answer

Syrian "Aleppo" pistachios are now grown mostly in the Hama countryside, especially around Morek, not only in Aleppo, sellers say. The market has four main types: Aleppo, Hama, Iranian Qazvini and American, with American rated lowest. Sellers say local Syrian pistachios are the best, and that small local nuts are good.

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Do Aleppo pistachios come from Aleppo?

Sellers said the name is tied to Aleppo, but most pistachios are now grown in the Hama countryside, especially around the town of Morek.

Which types are sold in Syria?

Sellers named four: Aleppo, Hama, Iranian Qazvini and American. In their view American is the lowest quality, Iranian is dry with little oil, and Aleppo has the tastiest oil. The dearest type is local Syrian pistachio, including the local "bouza" pistachio, which Syria exports to many countries because it tastes better than American or Iranian.

How do you pick good pistachios?

Do not judge by size: small local nuts taste good, sellers say. Ask where the pistachios come from before you buy.

Questions people ask

Do Aleppo pistachios come from Aleppo?

The name comes from Aleppo, but most are now grown in the Hama countryside, especially Morek, according to sellers in the Mukhtar Al Souq episode.

What types of pistachio are sold in Syria?

Aleppo, Hama, Iranian Qazvini and American.

Which pistachio is best?

Sellers say local Syrian pistachios are the best and American the lowest quality.

We ask sellers in the market and record every price with its date, in US dollars and new Syrian pounds. How we work

The Mukhtar Al Souq team: produced by (the show on his site) · written by Ahmad Nahas, Mazen Shbib, Ranim Shabani and Dania Halbouni · edited by Abdulrahman Al-Nassar and Abdulrahman Mulla · graphics by Wael Fayyad