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    Home » Basics

    Pistachios And How To Use Them

    Published: Jul 18, 2023 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    Pistachios are delicious and so versatile. Here is everything you need to know about pistachios and how to use them in cooking.

    Pistachios and everything you can make with them.

    If you love pistachios as much as I do, you're going to enjoy this read. I've compiled everything you need to know about pistachios as well as various ways to use them in sweet and savory recipes.

    Table Of Contents:
    • Everything About Pistachios
    • Fresh Pistachios vs Roasted
    • Salted vs Unsalted
    • Pistachios Come in Different Forms
    • What To Make With Pistachios
    • How to Store Pistachios
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Recipes Using Pistachios

    Everything About Pistachios

    Traditionally found in regions such as Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia, pistachio is a nut from the cashew family. The nut has a cream colored shell that cracks open when ripe and a purple-pink skin with green flesh. The flavor is distinctive which makes it perfect for both savory and sweet uses.

    It takes a pistachio tree about 10 years to reach full production and they peak at around 20 years. Pistachio trees can live up to 300 years!

    Fresh Pistachios vs Roasted

    Fresh pistachios have an extra layer of pink-cream skin around the hard cream colored shell. To eat, peel off the exterior skin and take the pistachio out of the shell. Roasted pistachios are widely available and you can find them at almost any supermarket. They lack the exterior skin and you only need to take them out of the shell for consumption.

    Salted vs Unsalted

    There are different varieties of roasted pistachios available, with the most popular ones being salted and unsalted. Salted pistachios are usually used for snacking and unsalted roasted pistachios are used for culinary purposes. You can also find flavored pistachios in some supermarkets with flavors such as chili and honey roasted.

    Pistachios Come in Different Forms

    Depending on the culinary use, pistachios come in different forms including whole shelled, unshelled, chopped, slivered or ground. You can purchase them shelled and sliced as desired, or do the preparation at home.

    Pistachios come in different forms including shelled, unshelled, powdered and slivered.

    What To Make With Pistachios

    From salads and pistachio cake to Italian pistachio cookies and of course, pistachio butter, there are many ways to add pistachios to your recipes.

    Pistachios are also a popular addition to baklava, Persian saffron ice cream (bastani sonnati), dips and even kofta. It's common to use ground pistachios as garnish on Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts including halva, mahalabia, date balls and ranginak.

    How to Store Pistachios

    It's best to store pistachios in an airtight container and refrigerate them. You can keep them refrigerated for up to a year. An open bag of pistachios keeps for a few weeks in the pantry.

    Shelled pistachios.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are pistachios good for you?

    Pistachios are a good source of fiber, healthy fats and protein. They may also lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

    Can I freeze pistachios?

    Yes, frozen pistachios (shelled or unshelled) can last for up to 2 years in the freezer.

    Are pistachio shells good for anything?

    The shells are very good for your garden. Use them as mulch; they will break down with time and release protein and carbon that benefits the soil.

    More Recipes Using Pistachios

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      Bastani Sonnati Persian Saffron Ice Cream
    • Date balls on a plate.
      15-Minute Date Balls Recipe
    • Stuffed dates 4 ways.
      Stuffed Dates Recipe (4 Ways)
    • Creamy Oatmeal Recipe Middle Eastern Style

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    • How to cut a pomegranate.
      How To Cut A Pomegranate
    • How to make tahdig Persian crispy rice.
      Tahdig Recipe (Persian Crispy Rice)
    • Green goddess dressing.
      Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
    • Saffron syrup is easy and ready in 20 minutes. The bright flavor of saffron would elevate any dessert or drink. Follow along to learn more about this simple recipe!
      Saffron Syrup

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