Pistachios are a popular snack food and are often used in Indian and
Mediterranean cuisines.
Pistachio nuts have green kernels with a delicately sweet taste. They have fairly hard
shells that split open lengthwise when the fruit is ripe.
Varieties
A member of the cashew
family, the pistachio nut comes from the pistacia plant, one of among nine species of aromatic
shrubs and trees. The variety that produces edible pistachio nuts is the Pistacia
vera. Pistachios are cultivated in central Asia, the Mediterranean countries, the Middle
East, and the United States, especially in California.
Buying and storing tips
Pistachios are available roasted and salted in their shells, which
are often dyed red to accentuate their naturally pinkish hue. Shelled pistachios are available
in vacuum-packed jars or cans.
Availability
Pistachios are generally available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Pistachios are a popular snack food and are used to make a variety of
sweet and savory foods, from ice cream to
pâtés. Pistachio nuts are especially popular in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines.
To remove the brownish skin, blanch pistachios in boiling water for about two minutes. Drain
and cool slightly, then rub off the skins while still warm.
Nutritional Highlights
Pistachios (raw), 30 nuts (18g)
Calories: 99
Protein: 3.68g
Carbohydrate: 5.25g
Total Fat: 7.7g
Fiber: 1.8g
*Good source of: Vitamin B6 (0.31mg ), and Thiamine (0.157mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a
particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value.
Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries.
Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values
and the recommended daily guidelines.
Health benefits and concerns
Prostate cancer
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found in many foods. Most, but
not all, studies have found that high dietary or blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid
correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid
are high in almonds, Brazil nuts,
cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts,
macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts,
pistachios, and walnuts.
Health benefits and
concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and
seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns
for nuts and seeds for a full description.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
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