Pistachio: the nut that isn’t really a nut

What exactly are pistachios?

If they aren’t nuts, that inevitably raises the question: what are they, then? The answer: stone fruits. Botanically speaking, they are the fruits – or, strictly speaking, the seeds – of a pistachio tree. The popular green kernels are enclosed and protected by a beige-coloured shell. Pistachios are often sold in this form. If you look at the whole fruit, the kernel is also surrounded by reddish flesh with its associated seed coat. The snack we mainly know as a pistachio is therefore the centre of a fruit. But be warned: for people with a severe nut allergy, pistachios can still pose a risk.

Small but mighty: an overview of the nutritional values of pistachios

When it comes to kilocalories, pistachios – with over 600 per 100 grams – give many a nut or sweet treat a run for their money. Nevertheless, it’s worth taking a closer look, because although the energy content is high, it is largely based on healthy unsaturated fatty acids. As well as a fat content of around 50 per cent, they also contain protein, carbohydrates and water. Furthermore, nutrients such as various B and E vitamins, as well as potassium and iron, offer a range of health benefits: from positive effects on the nerves, muscles, skin and hair, through to regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, right up to supporting the immune system and providing antioxidants.

Pistachios have a wide range of beneficial properties and are therefore considered healthy. Vegetarians and vegans in particular benefit from the protein they contain, whilst the fibre is good for all digestive systems. These filling pistachios are also popular as part of a diet. However, it’s not just when dieting that moderation is key – pistachios are best enjoyed as a healthy snack or as a special touch, for example in a salad or on a cake.

Flavour, varieties and cultivation

Fans of crunchy pistachio kernels particularly appreciate the sweet, nutty and, at the same time, almost buttery flavour when eating them. It is a sophisticated blend of flavour nuances that makes them an almost universally versatile food. As such, they work equally well in both sweet and savoury dishes. Although there are quite a few different varieties of pistachio, the main distinguishing feature is whether they are round or elongated.

The largest areas under cultivation are found in Turkey, California and Iran. Pistachios are exported all over the world. One distinctive feature of their cultivation is that pistachio trees only produce successful harvests every two years. Furthermore, pollination from male to female trees is necessary, though only the female trees ultimately bear fruit. As pistachios also have quite high water requirements, this explains the sometimes high retail prices. On the other hand, they also impress with a long Shelf life.

What can you make with pistachios?

The impressive nutritional values alone provide good reasons to eat pistachios regularly. Added to this are the versatile ways in which these ‘miracle nuts’ can be processed and used. These include, amongst others:

• As a snack: When roasted and salted, pistachios make a delicious snack – filling and healthy.

• In the patisserie: Many sweet treats too – from cake toppings and macarons to ice cream – benefit from this unique flavour.

• In savoury recipes: Pistachios are a great addition not only to sweet dishes but also to savoury ones. They can be used in salads, pestos, as well as in crusts and Breadcrumb coatings Their crispiness really comes into its own with fish and meat.

• As an oil: Pistachio oil is particularly popular in haute cuisine. This aromatic oil enhances a wide variety of dishes.

• In the form of a Milk-Alternative: Pistachio milk offers people who avoid animal-based foods a tasty, high-quality alternative.

These are just a few examples, of course, as pistachios can also enhance many other foods, depending on your choice – whether roasted or salted. Their many benefits make them a suitable ingredient that enhances both flavour and health in equal measure.

Beyond pistachios – creating delicious foods with Ehlert

If you wish to enhance dishes with pistachios in the food processing industry, you will need substantial quantities. Gustav Ehlert GmbH supplies green pistachios in quantities of up to 12.5 kilograms. This allows this superfood to perfectly enhance your dishes.

Whether you’re making savoury dishes or specialising in sweet treats, you won’t get very far with pistachios on their own. That’s why you’ll also find food and ingredients in our shop that go far beyond that. Whether it’s oils, flours, Ketchup and other sauces or dairy products: we’ve got everything you need. With a century’s worth of expertise behind us, we know what matters in the food industry and can provide you with high-quality equipment and ingredients.