Pistachios can self-heat and catch fire when shipped in large batches due to their high oil content and low water content. They also emit carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen, making them a health hazard in enclosed areas. Other foods and materials can also spontaneously combust. Iran is the largest producer of pistachios.
Pistachios can spontaneously burn if shipped in large batches. The nut’s high oil content and low water content mean that large batches can self-heat to the point of catching fire. Pistachios also absorb oxygen and emit carbon dioxide, so they can be a health hazard when in large quantities in enclosed areas, such as cargo ships or delivery trucks. This is why pistachios need to be shipped in very careful conditions and need to be regularly monitored for temperature during the shipping process.
Read more about pistachios and spontaneous combustion:
Pistachios aren’t the only food that can burn spontaneously. Walnuts, sunflower seeds, apricot kernels, flax seeds and cashews can also self-heat and burn spontaneously under the right circumstances.
Iran produces the most pistachios of any country in the world: more than 423 million pounds (about 192 million kg) of pistachios annually. The United States is the second largest producer, followed by Turkey, Syria and China.
Other things that can spontaneously combust in large quantities include piles of hay, coal, cotton, and even piles of manure.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
