Pistacchio

In ancient times pistachios were viewed as a symbol of wellness and overall great health and today they still have maintained their popularity. Archaeologists in Israel’s Hula Valley discovered pistachios and pistachio shells along with nut-cracking tools dating back 780,000 years ago.

A member of the cashew family, pistachios grow on deciduous bushes which can grow as high as 33 feet.

The edible portion of the pistachio is the elongated seed which has become known as the nut. The seed is surrounded by a hard exterior shell that is slightly split apart allowing for easy opening and access.

This easy to crack shell allows pistachios to be sold commercially in the shell and when cracked, the shell reveals a distinctively flavored green nut.

Pistachios grow well in hot and dry climates, take 8-10 years after plantation to produce the crop and have many different cultivars although Kerman is the most popular commercially.

Pistachios are often eaten raw and are often consumed roasted and or lightly salted. Perhaps pistachios most useful culinary use is seen in ice cream where it is used in the popular and always delicious pistachio ice cream. In addition, pistachios are used in the making of pistachio butter and pistachio paste. salted. Perhaps pistachios most useful culinary use is seen in ice cream where it is used in the popular and always delicious pistachio ice cream. In addition, pistachios are used in the making of pistachio butter and pistachio paste.