Pistachio nuts grow on pistachio trees
Pistachio trees produce male and female flowers on separate trees
Wind carries pollen from male trees to female trees
Pollinated female flowers develop into clusters of pistachio fruits
The fruit grows with a hard shell inside
The shell contains the edible pistachio seed
The outer hull of the fruit changes color as it matures
Pistachios ripen in hot, dry climates
Trees usually need several years before producing nuts
Mature nuts are harvested when the hull splits open
After harvest, the hull is removed and the shells are dried
The edible nut is then processed for consumption