Pistachios
Origin
Pistachio nuts are stone fruits or drupes and belong to the same family as cashew nuts and mangoes. They originate from Persia but are now grown all over the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the USA. Pistachio nuts are harvested in the autumn and are biennial bearing, meaning that the harvest is heavier in alternate years. The nut grows inside a protective shell, which splits open when the nut is ripe and the green nut can be seen.
Nutritional content
Pistachio nuts are a good source of calcium, iron and other minerals important for the muscles and the nervous system.
Uses
Pistachio nuts can be eaten as either salted or unsalted snacks but are also suitable for desserts, baking and confectionery. They are also used to produce pistachio ice cream.
