Pistachios Recipes

Pistachios are everyone’s favorite dried fruits! Technically, these belong to the cashew family. The pistachio originally hails from the Middle East and Central Asia. Pistachios have been consumed for nearly 8,000 years now! The pistachio plant is very tolerant of desert conditions and can thrive in saline soil. The pistachio trees are often grown in orchards and take 7-10 years to yield pistachios. Today, most of the pistachios come from Iran and the United States.

One can store unshelled pistachios in the refrigerator for some 3 months. If they are stored in the freezer, they can last for up to a year. Pistachios should be stored in an airtight container as the shells expose the nut. Pistachios also draw out moisture from the air, store them in Vaya Preserve to retain freshness.

Culinary Use

• Pistachios are very versatile ingredients. They are commonly used in several different cuisines. 
• One can eat the kernel whole either roasted, salted or fresh.
• Pistachios are also used to make ice cream, kulfi, spumoni, pistachio butter, and a whole host of other foods. 
• Pistachio salad is another delicacy that is popular in the US. 
• Pistachios are also used in curries and breads.
• They can also be added to chocolate cookies.
• They are a part of several dessert recipes and are often added to cheesecakes as well.

Health Benefits

• Pistachios have a high concentration of antioxidants. This helps reduce cell damage and can also lower the risk of cancer.
• They have a low amount of calories. 
• Pistachios have a lot of fiber and protein. This implies they can potentially be great for weight watchers! 
• The consumption of pistachios also helps the good bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids such as butyrates which are known to reduce the risk of cancer. They also reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Pistachios can also help lower blood sugar.

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