Bad News For Pistachio Lovers

If you enjoy spending numerous, mindless hours cracking pistachio nuts, you may have some lonely days ahead of you this winter as some indications are that the Pistachio harvest is low this year.

'Blanking' is the term used when Pistachio shells are empty after being opened and typically 5% to 10% of crops each year are affected. Some reports suggest that as much as 50% of the crop is turning up empty due to a mild weather, drought and other contributing factors. Some farmers warn that bacteria is threatening 20,000 California Pistachio crops.

Other trees in other states seem to be faring better but since California represents 99% of the total pistachio crop, that good news may not matter.

Crack 'em while you can!