There are many types of pistachios, but the main commercial Iranian varieties are Fandoghi, Kalleh Ghouchi, Akbari, and Ahmad Aghaei.
These pistachio types are different in shape, size, and appearance. Fandoghi and Kalleh Ghouchi are round varieties, while Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei are long varieties.
Pistachios are also sold in different commercial sizes, such as 20/22 or 28/30. These numbers show how many pistachios are found in one ounce. In this article, we compare the main types of pistachio nuts, their sizes, and their main differences.
Main Types of Pistachios
Here are some main pistachio species:
| Pistachio Type | Shape | Size & Appearance | Main Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fandoghi | Round | Small to medium | One of the most widely available Iranian pistachios |
| Kalleh Ghouchi | Round | Large and round | Also known as Jumbo pistachio |
| Akbari | Long | Large and elongated | Known for its long shape and large nut size |
| Ahmad Aghaei | Long | Medium to large | Long, attractive and popular in export markets |
Fandoghi Pistachio
One of the pistachio names is Fandoghi, which is one of the best-known round types in Iran. Compared with Akbari or Kalleh Ghouchi, Fandoghi is usually smaller. It is sold in different commercial sizes, including sizes around 26/28, 28/30, and 30/32 pieces per ounce. Because of its wide availability, Fandoghi is common in both local and export markets.
Read Pistachio season for pistachio fans article to know when to buy pistachios.
Kalleh Ghouchi Pistachio
Kalleh Ghouchi is a large, round pistachio. It is also commonly known as a jumbo pistachio. This variety is easy to recognize because of its round shape and large nut size. It is different from Akbari, which is also large but has a longer shape. Kalleh Ghouchi is commonly sold in larger commercial sizes.
Akbari Pistachio
Akbari is one of the main long pistachio types in Iran. It has a large and elongated shape. The Iran Pistachio Association describes Akbari as a long variety with a large nut size.
Akbari pistachios are commonly available in large commercial sizes. On the current Kourosh Foods page, sizes such as 18/20, 20/22, and 22/24 are listed.
Ahmad Aghaei Pistachio
Ahmad Aghaei is another long Iranian types of pistachio. It has an elongated, almond-like shape. This pistachio is also popular in export markets because of its appearance and taste.
Kourosh Foods currently lists common Ahmad Aghaei sizes such as 24/26, 26/28, and 28/30 pieces per ounce.
Fandoghi, Kalleh Ghouchi, Akbari, and Ahmad Aghaei are the four main commercial types of Iranian pistachios. Fandoghi is round and usually smaller, while Kalleh Ghouchi is round but larger and is also known as Jumbo pistachio. Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei are long varieties, with Akbari known for its large, elongated shape and Ahmad Aghaei for its attractive appearance.
Pistachio Grades and Sizes
Pistachio grades and sizes are an important point when comparing different pistachio types. In the Iranian market, sizes are often shown with numbers such as 20/22, 24/26, or 28/30 and their size affects on Iran pistachio price. These numbers show the approximate number of pistachios in one ounce.
For example:
- 20/22 means about 20 to 22 pistachios per ounce.
- 28/30 means about 28 to 30 pistachios per ounce.
Size and grade are not the same, even in the best types of pistachios. Size refers to the number of nuts per ounce. Grade can also include shell condition, defects, appearance, and kernel quality.
If you want to know the differences between Pistachio Shelled vs Unshelled, read our related article to find out which option is best for you.
Which Type of Pistachio Should You Choose?
The best types of pistachios depends on what you need:
- Choose Akbari if you want a large and long pistachio with a premium appearance.
- Ahmad Aghaei is a good choice if you prefer a long pistachio with an attractive shape.
- Fandoghi is a practical choice for bulk orders because it is widely available and comes in smaller commercial sizes.
- Kalleh Ghouchi is a good option if you want a large, round pistachio.
For wholesale orders, also check the size, grade, shell condition, packaging, and required quantity before buying.
The Best Types of Pistachios in Kourosh Foods
Pistachio nuts are one of the most popular nuts while all types of pistachios contain massive amounts of nutrients such as Vitamins and Minerals. Now that you are familiar with different kinds of pistachios, don’t hesitate and order some online. Visit our website, choose your needed types, and place your order.
FAQ
How many types of pistachios are there?
There are many pistachio varieties around the world. In Iran, four of the main commercial types are Fandoghi, Kalleh Ghouchi, Akbari, and Ahmad Aghaei.
Which type of pistachio is best?
There is no single best pistachio for every use. Akbari is known for its large and long shape, Fandoghi for its wide availability, Ahmad Aghaei for its attractive long shape, and Kalleh Ghouchi for its large and round appearance.
What does pistachio size 20/22 or 28/30 Mean?
These numbers show the approximate number of pistachios in one ounce. A 20/22 size is usually larger than a 28/30 size because fewer nuts are needed to make one ounce.

