Persian Nuts Guide: Pistachios, Almonds, Walnuts & More
Persian nuts and seeds (ajil ingredients) are a pantry staple — roasted, raw, or specialty-flavored, eaten as an everyday snack, set out for guests, or mixed into your own ajil blend. Here’s the full lineup.
Pistachios
The most iconic Persian nut, available in several roasts and flavors. Shop Roasted & Salted Pistachio, Saffron Pistachio, Lemon Pistachio, Shamsi Pistachio, Pistachio Kernel (shelled), or Slivered (Khalal) Pistachio for garnishing rice dishes like shirin polo and desserts like bastani.
Almonds
A versatile snacking nut, also used sliced or slivered as a garnish. Shop Almond Raw, Lemon Almond, or Slivered Almond — the go-to garnish for sholeh zard.
Walnuts
A rich, essential nut in Persian cooking — most famously ground into the base of fesenjan and ash-e anar. Shop Walnut Halves.
Apricot Kernels
Not to be confused with dried apricots (the fruit itself), apricot kernels are the small, almond-like seed found inside the apricot pit — a traditional snack in their own right. Shop Apricot Kernel or Raw Apricot Kernel.
Seeds
Watermelon and melon seeds are a beloved snack on their own or mixed into ajil. Shop Angelica Watermelon Seeds or Salted Watermelon Seeds.
Roasted Chickpeas
A crunchy, savory snack on their own or as an ajil mix-in. Shop Roasted Chickpeas.
Pre-Made Mix
Want it all in one bag? Shop Fancy Nuts, a ready-made blend — or see our Ajil guide for how to build your own mix, and our Persian Dried Fruits Guide to add a sweet-tart contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nuts are most common in Persian cooking?
Pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are the most widely used — pistachios and almonds mainly for snacking and garnish, walnuts as a cooking ingredient ground into stews like fesenjan.
Are Persian nuts roasted or raw?
Both are available — roasted and salted varieties are common for snacking, while raw versions are preferred for cooking or for anyone avoiding added salt.
What’s the difference between pistachio kernels and whole pistachios?
Pistachio kernels are already shelled, ready to eat or cook with directly; whole pistachios still have their shell on, which is typical for snacking.
How should I store nuts to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; for longer-term freshness, especially in warm climates, the refrigerator or freezer works well.
Shop the full Nuts category at Goaldees (also searched as Goldis), shipped fresh, nationwide across the US.
