Wholesale Wild Pistachio Fruit and Terebinth Seeds from Iran

1. Scientific Name: Pistacia atlantica Desf. Synonyms: Pistacia mutica Fisch. & C.A.Mey. English Name: Wild Pistachio Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Atlantic Pistachio, Pistacia atlantica seeds, Atlantic mastic tree, Mt. Atlas mastic tree, Atlantic Pistachio, Mount Atlas Mastic, Turpentine tree 2. Scientific Name: Pistacia khinjuk Stocks ex Stocks Synonyms: Pistacia acuminata Boiss & B.H, Pistacia integerrima Stew. Ex Brandis English Name: Khinjuk Fruits

Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): –
3. Scientific Name: Pistacia terebinthus L.
Synonyms: Lentiscus terebinthus (L.) Kuntze
English Name: Terebinth
Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Pistacia terebinthus seeds, Terebinth seeds, Turpentine, Cyprus Turpentine, Eastern Turpentine Tre
Family: Anacardiaceae

 

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Fruit
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nuts, spice, food, bakery, confectionery, beverages, perfumery.
In Food: It is used in cooking

 

Industries That Use Wild Pistachios (Pistacia atlantica Seeds)

Here’s a detailed, high-quality breakdown for Wild Pistachios, also known as Atlantic Pistachios or Pistacia atlantica seeds, from trees like Pistacia atlantica Desf., Pistacia khinjuk, and Pistacia terebinthus. (Also known as: Atlantic Pistachios, Mt. Pistachios, or Wild Terebinth Nuts)

1. Food & Beverage Industry

Wild pistachios are prized in various regions for their distinct flavor, nutritional value, and traditional culinary uses.

• Snacks – Roasted or raw wild pistachios are eaten like regular nuts in:

  • Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets

  • Specialty health snacks

• Confectionery – Used in traditional sweets, nougats, or pistachio-based pastes

• Cooking Oil – The pressed oil (especially from Pistacia khinjuk) is:

  • Used for drizzling, frying, or in local traditional recipes

  • High in unsaturated fats and aromatic compounds

✅ The taste is more earthy and intense than cultivated pistachios.

2. Nutraceutical & Herbal Supplement Industry

Wild pistachio seeds are used for their medicinal properties and rich content of:

• Antioxidants (polyphenols)

• Healthy fats (oleic and linoleic acids)

• Anti-inflammatory compounds

• Common uses:

  • Heart and liver health formulations

  • Antioxidant-rich supplement powders

  • Natural oil capsules for inflammation support

✅ Often marketed as a wild superfood or functional nut.

3. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry The tree resin (often called Mastic or Terebinth resin) and seeds are traditionally used in: Digestive remedies – To treat ulcers, bloating, and stomach discomfort Liver tonics – Supporting bile production and liver detox Anti-inflammatory treatments – Applied internally or topically for arthritis, joint pain

⚠️ These uses are popular in Persian, Greek, Turkish, and Kurdish traditional medicine.

4. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Wild pistachio oil (cold-pressed from the seeds) is valued for its:

• Skin-softening properties

• Anti-aging benefits (rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids)

• Antibacterial effect (used in herbal acne treatments)

Used in:

• Face oils

• Anti-wrinkle creams

• Scalp and hair conditioning treatments

5. Aromatherapy & Natural Remedies Seed oil and resin (terebinth) are used in: Natural balms for chest rubs Massage oils for joint relief Relaxing herbal salves

6. Industrial & Artisan Applications

• Terebinth resin (from trees) is used in:

  • Traditional soap making

  • Organic varnishes or adhesives

  • Incense and aromatic preparations

7. Academic & Scientific Research

Wild pistachios are studied for:

• Cardiovascular health benefits due to their lipid profile

• Anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties

• Sustainable agriculture and drought-resilient crops

Industry	Applications & Products
Food & Beverage	Snacks, oils, traditional sweets
Nutraceutical	Heart & liver health, antioxidant blends
Pharmaceutical/Traditional	Digestive/liver support, joint care
Cosmetic & Personal Care	Face oils, creams, natural anti-aging products
Aromatherapy & Natural Care	Chest rubs, pain-relief balms, herbal massage oils
Industrial/Artisan	Resin for soap, varnish, incense
Academic & Research	Health effects, sustainable farming, medicinal compounds

🌰 Wild Pistachio Seeds (Pistacia khinjuk Stocks ex Stocks)

Also known as: Khinjuk, Ban Pistachio, Wild Pistachio Kernel

🌿 Overview

Wild Pistachio (Pistacia khinjuk) is a wild-growing pistachio species native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia. Its seeds (kernels) are smaller than commercial pistachios (Pistacia vera) but are highly valued for their flavor, nutritional density, and medicinal uses. The tree is also ecologically important, used in afforestation, soil stabilization, and as a rootstock for cultivated pistachios.

Wild pistachio seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, tocopherols (Vitamin E), sterols, polyphenols, and minerals.

🏥 1. Pharmaceutical & Herbal Medicine Industry

Wild pistachio kernels are used in traditional medicine for:

• Cardiovascular health (due to high unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols)

• Digestive system support

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions

• General tonic in traditional Iranian, Kurdish, and Ayurvedic practices

• Cholesterol regulation and liver function support

✅ Forms: Roasted kernels, raw seeds, oil, ground powder, herbal capsules

🧴 2. Cosmetic & Skin Care Industry

The oil extracted from khinjuk seeds is light, non-greasy, and rich in Vitamin E and phytosterols, making it valuable in:

• Anti-aging formulations

• Moisturizing and nourishing oils

• Skin-repairing creams

• Carrier oil for essential oils and massage blends

✅ Forms: Cold-pressed seed oil, enriched creams, balms

🥜 3. Food & Snack Industry

While less common than cultivated pistachios, wild pistachio kernels are:

• Consumed as a premium nut snack (especially roasted)

• Used in traditional sweets and desserts in rural Iranian and Central Asian cuisines

• Pressed to produce edible oil with a rich nutty flavor

• Ground into nut butters, energy bars, and superfood mixes

✅ Forms: Whole roasted, chopped, oil, butter

🧪 4. Nutraceutical & Supplement Industry

Due to its dense nutrient profile, wild pistachio seeds are used in:

• Functional foods and superfood formulations

• Plant-based supplements targeting heart health, skin, and immune support

✅ Forms: Powder, capsules, oil-based softgels

🪵 5. Ecological & Forestry Industry

• Pistacia khinjuk trees are highly drought-tolerant and used in reforestation and erosion control projects

• Used as a rootstock for Pistacia vera in pistachio cultivation due to its resilience

• Valuable in biodiversity restoration in arid and semi-arid regions

✅ Forms: Live plants, seeds for cultivation

🛍️ 6. Ethnic & Organic Product Markets

Popular in traditional and ethnic health shops, especially in:

• Iran, Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Pakistan

• Sold as wild pistachio snacks, cold-pressed oil, herbal tonics

✅ Forms: Bulk nuts, oil bottles, regional culinary blends

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🧾 Key Features:

• 🌰 Smaller than regular pistachios, but more flavorful

• 🛡️ High in antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols

• 💧 Source of cosmetic-grade oil

• 🌳 Drought-tolerant, ecologically significant

• 🧬 Used in both culinary and therapeutic contexts

🌰 Wild Pistachio (Pistacia terebinthus L.)

Also known as: Terebinth, Turpentine Tree, Mastaki Tree, Baneh-e Kouhi (in Iran), Anacardo Silvestre

🌿 Overview

Pistacia terebinthus is a small deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and Iranian mountains. It is related to Pistacia vera (the commercial pistachio) and Pistacia khinjuk, but it is botanically and industrially distinct.

This wild species is known for its:

• Small edible seeds/kernels (called Baneh in Persian)

• Aromatic resin (Terebinth resin or turpentine)

• Medicinally potent leaves and fruits

It is a hardy, drought-tolerant tree used in reforestation and as a source of natural gum, essential oil, culinary nuts, and phytopharmaceuticals.

🏥 1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Terebinth fruits and resin are widely used in traditional medicine for:

• Respiratory ailments (bronchitis, cough)

• Digestive disorders (colic, flatulence, ulcers)

• Urinary tract health (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory)

• Wound healing and skin infections (resin)

• Antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties

✅ Forms: Crushed fruits, decoctions, tinctures, resin, capsules

🌿 2. Resin & Essential Oil Industry

The tree exudes a resinous gum called terebinth or Chian turpentine, which contains monoterpenes, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds.

Applications:

• Used in traditional ointments and balms

• Inhalants and expectorants

• Natural chewing gum base

• Fragrance component (similar to pine/balsamic notes)

✅ Forms: Resin (raw or processed), essential oil

🥜 3. Food & Culinary Industry

The seeds (fruits) are used traditionally in:

• Roasted nut snacks (Baneh)

• Baneh oil (cold-pressed): A rare, aromatic oil used in cooking and salad dressings

• Traditional desserts and confectionery

• Spice or condiment in some Kurdish and Turkish cuisines

✅ Forms: Roasted seeds, cold-pressed oil, powdered spice

🧴 4. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Pistacia terebinthus oil and resin are used in:

• Anti-aging skin care (high in unsaturated fats and antioxidants)

• Hair tonics and scalp treatments

• Natural deodorants and astringents

• Anti-acne and skin repair formulations

✅ Forms: Cold-pressed fruit oil, infused oil, resin balm, essential oil

🌲 5. Forestry & Environmental Industry

P. terebinthus is highly adaptable to dry and poor soils and is valuable for:

• Reforestation of arid lands

• Erosion control and soil stabilization

• Supporting pollinator ecosystems

✅ Forms: Live trees, nursery stock, rootstock

🛍️ 6. Ethnic, Folk & Organic Product Markets

Especially in Iran, Turkey, Greece, and North Africa, wild pistachio fruits and gum are valued in:

• Folk medicine shops

• Ethnic groceries

• Organic herbal blends and spice kits

• Used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Persian traditional medicine

✅ Forms: Dried fruits, resin, herbal teas, powdered gum, oil

🔬 7. Scientific & Industrial Research

Extracts from P. terebinthus have shown promise in:

• Antioxidant formulations

• Natural preservatives

• Biopesticides and antimicrobial agents

✅ Forms: Fruit/leaf extracts, essential oil components, flavonoid-rich fractions

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🧾 Key Features:

• 🌱 Rich in monoterpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids

• 🌰 Edible seeds used as rare gourmet nuts

• 💧 Source of aromatic resin and essential oil

• 🌿 Medicinal uses in digestive, respiratory, and dermatological conditions

• 🌍 Ecological value in drought-prone lands

🌰 Comparison of Wild Pistachio Seeds

✅ Summary

• Pistacia atlantica has larger edible seeds, is widely cultivated in Iran, and is also a source of mastic-like resin and grafting stock for commercial pistachio.

• Pistacia khinjuk produces small, mild-flavored seeds and is valued more for its adaptability and medicinal oil.

• Pistacia terebinthus offers a distinctively aromatic seed with resin-rich oil, and its resin (terebinth) is widely used in folk medicine and cosmetics.

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: Baneh – Chatlanghoush – Golkhoung – Pesteh Kouhi – Pesteh Vahshi / بَنه – چاتلانقوش – گُلخونگ – پِسته کوهی – پِسته وَحشی German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Atlantische Pistazie French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Pistachier de l’atlas – Térébinthe

HARVEST CALENDAR

What is Wild Pistachio? The fruits of Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia terebinthus and Pistacia khinjuk are called Wild Pistachio which are small, spherical, and oval and grow in clusters. These fruits contain three parts: soft skin, hard skin, and core. The soft skin of Pistacia atlantica fruits is usually a combination of pink and yellow colors, and under it there is a hard, cream peel, and inside it is a small, dark, oily and almost oval kernel. Atlantic Pistachios are smaller than regular pistachios. The fruit of this tree has a pleasant aroma and taste.

What Do Terebinth Seeds Taste Like?

Atlantic pistachios are a very tasty nut. The raw type of this fruit has a sour taste and does not need to be peeled. But when it ripens, its shell becomes hard and it should be broken and eaten.
The kernel of this fruit can be eaten raw, roasted, salted or without salt.

 

The Difference Between Pistachio and Pistacia atlantica Seeds

Atlantic Pistachio tree is a drought-friendly tree and grows well in hot and dry areas. The fruit of this plant has an oily, small, hard and round kernel. Its kernel looks like a common pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), but it is a little smaller and dark green. It is suitable for dry weather because it uses a few amount of water. It has a high commercial value. It is propagated through seeds. It is one of the tall trees.

The color of its fruit is pink at first, which turns red after a while and turns green when ripe. The gum obtained from this tree has a high commercial value and is used in several industries.

This tree produces a large amount of fruits every year which has a sour taste.

Terebinth seeds is one of the natural and wild ancestors of the common pistachio, and because it comes from a tree that grows only in pristine and untouched nature, and no fertilizers or chemicals are used in the production of this type of pistachio, it has higher and better properties than common pistachios.

Pistacia atlantica seeds kernel is obtained from the hard and strong shell of the this tree. These seeds have two types: A type of it has a smaller seed and is dark green in color and has such a soft and fragile shell that is easily crushed with teeth and is easy to chew. It has a sour-sweet taste which its scientific name is Pistacia atlantica Desf. The other type has a green, pink and brown shell which its scientific name is Pistacia terebinthus L. At the end of summer, the main fruit of Atlantic Pistachio tree is harvested.

But the common pistachio tree has a fruit with two skins, one of which is grassy and soft, which is easy to separate, and the other is hard, which does not need to be broken, because the shell is opened itself and you can eat its kernel. Its fruit is bigger than Pistacia atlantica seeds.
There are different types of common pistachios such as: Fandoghi, Kale Ghouchi, Akbari, Ahmad Aghaei, etc.

 

Terebinth Seeds Health Benefits Atlantic Pistachio strengths the five senses, liver, spleen, kidney, internal pain reliever. It removes excess moisture from the chest and lungs, stone crusher, removes all types of stomach worms and is kidney stone breaker. It purifies the body from phlegm waste and improves paralysis, suffocation, back pain, colic and fainting. Eating this fruit with vinegar cleanses the liver.

Atlantic Pistachio Kernels Specifications Pistacia Atlantica fruit kernel oil is also warm and dry and is a sexual enhancer, beneficial for strengthening the nerves. Eating it is useful for hoarseness and treat vascular occlusive, and also treat jaundice, urine intermittency, and pain in the back, knees, paralysis, and facial nerve paralysis. If it is eaten with vinegar, it is useful for getting rid of all kinds of poisons and coldness of the organs, and rubbing its oil on the desired areas is also beneficial. Because it makes you thirsty, you should eat it with Bambusa bambos resin.

Atlantic Pistachio Dose

From 5 to 10 grams.

Wild Pistachios Seeds Side Effects

The fruit of Pistacia atlantica tree is slow digesting. It produces a bad chyme, causes headaches and is harmful to the brain of hot temperaments and those who have hot stomachs. Excessive consumption of its fruit causes aphthous ulcer and loss of appetite.

Pistacia khinjuk Modifiers

Rose water, Rhubarb paste, sour fruit pastes and Sekanjebin for Pistacia khinjuk. If you cook its fruit in bread, it will be digested easier.

Pistacia atlantica fruit is difficult to digest and is harmful for hot-temperaments. For this reason, hot-tempered people should eat it with vinegar, Gum Tragacanth or Sekanjabin.

🌱 Nutrition Facts – Wild Pistachio Seeds (Pistacia spp.)

Serving Size: 100 g
Calories: ~550 kcal

Micronutrients:

🧴 Wild pistachios are rich in healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, and are a traditional source of edible oil, snacks, and functional food ingredients in West Asia.

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Composition may vary between Pistacia atlantica, P. khinjuk, and P. mutica species and harvest conditions.

To order Terebinth seeds, please contact us.

Medical disclaimer