Walnut is one of the popular and valuable agricultural products in Iran, cultivated and produced in various regions of the country. Walnuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, and they find applications in cooking, pharmaceuticals, perfumery, and dyeing. In the following, we will introduce the types, cultivation regions, harvesting season, packaging, and walnut prices in Iran.
Types of Walnuts
Iranian walnuts come in various types that differ in shape, size, color, and taste. Some common types of Iranian walnuts include:
- Maku Walnut: This type is the largest Iranian walnut in terms of size.
- Cluster Walnut: Resembling a cluster of grapes in shape.
- Ziaabad Qazvin Walnut: Known for its excellent taste and aroma.
- Shahmirzad Walnut: Popular for its taste and aroma.
- Sabzevar Walnut: Smaller in size compared to other Iranian walnuts.
In addition to these types, Iranian walnuts have other varieties cultivated in different regions, including Urmia, Khoy, Zanjan, Kurdistan, East Azerbaijan, and more. Each type has its unique characteristics based on factors like skin type, kernel color, kernel size, kernel taste, and nutritional properties.
- Skin Type: Some walnuts have thin, green skin easily separable from the kernel. Others have paper-like skin removed by hand pressure, and some have thick, hard skin requiring tools for removal.
- Kernel Color: Some walnuts have a uniform, light-colored kernel, while others have a dark, speckled kernel with a possibly bitter taste.
- Kernel Size: Walnuts can have large and complete kernels or small and broken ones, influencing their market price.
- Kernel Taste: Walnuts vary in taste, with some being sweet and suitable for raw consumption or in desserts, while others have a bitter and sharp taste, potentially useful for medicinal or oil extraction purposes.
- Kernel Properties: Some walnuts have high nutritional and medicinal properties beneficial for heart health, brain, liver, skin, and hair. Others possess dyeing properties suitable for fabrics, leather, hair, and skin.
Based on these indicators, Iranian walnuts can be categorized into different types, each with its own characteristics.
Cultivation Regions
Walnut trees are perennial plants thriving in cold regions with favorable growth and yield conditions. Iran holds the third or fourth position globally in walnut production. Major walnut-producing provinces in Iran include Zanjan, Hamedan, Kerman, Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, North Khorasan, Alborz, Qazvin, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Fars, and East Azerbaijan. Some well-known cities involved in walnut production in these provinces are Toiserkan, Bafq, Qaen, Birjand, Tabas, Ferdows, Gonabad, Torbat Jam, Torbat Heydariyeh, Mashhad, Neyshabur, Sabzevar, Bojnourd, Karaj, Zanjan, Khodabandeh, Khorramdarreh, and more.
Harvesting Season
The walnut harvesting season in Iran typically spans from late Shahrivar (late September) to late Aban (late November), corresponding to late September to late November in the Gregorian calendar. During this period, farmers harvest walnuts from 5 AM to 10 AM, separating the kernels from the tough shells. The kernels are then dried in dark, dry places to preserve their color and flavor.
Packaging
The packaging of walnuts for export depends on the type and quantity. Walnuts are commonly packaged in various weights ranging from 1 gram to 5 kilograms. Packaging options include plastic bags, cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, metal or plastic cans, and glass or plastic bottles. Vacuum packaging is also used to maintain the freshness and quality of walnuts.
Price Variation
The price of walnuts experiences fluctuations based on several factors such as type, quality, size, packaging, market demand, exchange rates, transportation costs, customs, and weather conditions.
In summary, walnut prices in international markets tend to be higher than the Iran market, presenting an opportunity for importing walnuts from Iran. However, challenges such as sanctions, international standards, and destination market requirements should be considered. To predict walnut prices, attention must be paid to all these factors.
