Turkey is one of the main exporters of pistachios in the world. After Iran and the US, Turkey is the third most producer of pistachios. Pistachios from Iran and the USA are much more cost effective; however, Turkish pistachios have always been in demand in international markets as a result of their distinctive taste and aroma which is more intense with respect to others.

Turkey produces two types of pistachios; Antep, which are the small slim ones in brown shells from the area around Gaziantep, and the rounder, fatter nuts with pale beige shells which hail from Siirt. Antep pistachios are consumed both as a snack and as a major component in baklava and other sweets. The Siirt pistachios are mainly sold as a snack.