Pistachios
PantryUnsalted or salted, shelled or unshelled, raw or roasted—pistachios are a popular nut that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, you may be surprised to learn that pistachios aren’t actually nuts at all, but seeds. A member of the cashew family, pistachios are the seed of the fruit produced by pistachio trees. These drought-tolerant trees are native to Central Asia and the Middle East, but today, Iran, Turkey, Syria, China, and the U.S. are the largest producers. The trees can grow up to over 30 feet tall and live up to 300 years. Pistachio trees produce fruits, also known as drupes, which hold the pistachio seed inside. The small fruit grows in clusters on the tree. As the fruit ripens from yellow to red, the shell audibly pops along its seam and exposes the seed inside. Once ripe, the trees are harvested by shaking the branches so that the seeds fall to the ground. Every two years, a pistachio tree can produce over 100 lbs. of seeds, the equivalent to 50,000 seeds. Pistachios have a purplish skin with a firm, green flesh surrounded by a hard, cream-colored shell. They have a distinct, earthy, piney flavor. Besides being eaten on their own as a snack, pistachios also make a fantastic addition to baked goods, ice cream, salads, and sauces. In the store, pistachios can be purchased unsalted or salted and may come with the shell intact or removed. When cooking with pistachios, raw and unsalted pistachios are usually best. Not only do they impart a more pure pistachio flavor but you don’t have to worry about added sodium or changing the profile of a sweet, nutty dish with salt.
Pistachios nutrition and vitamin info per 100g
| Energy | 560 | kcal |
| Total Fat | 45.31999969482422 | g |
| Carbohydrate Total | 27.170000076293945 | g |
| Sugars | 7.659999847412109 | g |
| Protein | 20.15999984741211 | g |
| Sodium | 1 | mg |
| Fiber | 10.600000381469727 | g |
1186 recipes to cook with Pistachios
Pistachios substitutes
- Regular substitute
Pistachios equivalents and varieties
Pistachios cooking tips
Jake SmithYou can boil to make softer
Samsung FoodIf you purchased raw pistachios, you can eat them raw or you can roast them.
- Samsung Food
If you love pistachios, but hate cleaning them, shelled is your best option—but have in mind that you will pay close to double the price.
- Samsung Food
For a longer storage period, place pistachios in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.