Wild Pistachio

Wild Pistachio

The aromatic taste, texture and look of pistachio sets it apart from all other nuts. Pistachios are considered to be a delicacy, and that is why its usage in food and sweets is considered to be a prestige. The kernels are enriched with many health-benefiting nutrients essential for optimum health.

 

Wild Pistachio that is provided by Naturizon is significantly different than the commercially grown pistachios in the market. These pistachios tend to have a sharper texture and look to them and the taste of the kernels are more playful and sharp. The kernels are slightly smaller than the commercially grown ones, but what they lack in size they make it up on taste. The kernels have a brighter red and green texture on the skin of the kernels, and the kernels have a nice green look at them when sliced, diced, or grounded.

 

These wild pistachios are grown in the jungles and suburbs of Afghanistan, and they are grown without the use of any pesticide or chemical fertilizers in the wild. They are gathered by the nomads and natives in the area once a year. This variety of pistachio is native to the northern and South eastern of Afghanistan.

 

Pistachios grow well under hot, dry summer and cool winters. They are currently being cultivated at a larger scale in the USA, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and China. After plantation, it takes approximately eight to ten years until the plant produces its first major crop. Once established, it keeps bearing fruits for many years to come.

Health Benefit

Pistachios are a great source of protein, fats, Vitamin E, and minerals. They are a rich source of energy, and 100 grams of kernels provide about 550 Calories.

 

Pistachios contain good amounts of mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and antioxidants. Regular consumption of pistachios can help in lowering bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol in the blood.

 

Pistachios are and excellent source of Vitamin E., where vitamin E is known to be a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant essential for maintaining the integrity of cell members of mucosa and skin.

 

Pistachio kernels hold a lot of minerals such as copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron magnesium and selenium. About 100 grams of the kernel can provide about 144% of the daily recommended levels of copper. Copper is an essential trace mineral that is required in neuro-transmission, metabolism, and red blood cell production.

 

Just a hand full of pistachios a day provides enough recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein.

Selection and storage

Pistachios are available year round in the market. When looking to purchase pistachios look for healthy, compact, uniform, off-white, in-shell nuts that feel heavy in hand. They should be free from cracks other than the natural split, mold, spots, and of rancid smell.

 

Raw, unshelled pistachios can be placed under cool dry place for many months. However, shelled kernels should be placed in an airtight container and kept inside the refrigerator in order to prevent them turn rancid.

 

Try to buy unshelled (with intact outer coat), whole nuts instead of processed ones. They generally made available in airtight packs and in bulk bins.

Preparation and serving method

Pistachio kernels are usually consumed directly as a whole. They may be roasted and flavors such as salt, lime juice, and spices are added to them to give a more delightful taste when consumed directly or as a mix with other nuts.

 

Pistachios are sliced, diced and/or to be used for food decorating or as an ingredient in the dish to provide a delightful taste to the dish.

 

Pistachio is one of the main ingredients in making Baklava–Middle Eastern pastry sweet. It is used as a core ingredient in many other sweets in the region, and it is a very famous ice cream flavor as well. Usually the grounded pistachio is used in the ethnic ice creams to give the green look to it and chunks are added to give a crunch feel and taste to the ice cream.

Safety profile

Please ensure that you are not allergic to pistachio before consuming them. Pistachios are considered to be a tree nut and individuals allergic should take caution in consuming them.

 

The reaction symptoms may range from simple skin itching (hives) to severe form anaphylactic manifestations including breathing difficulty, pain abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.