Puzzling Pistachio Facts To Know Before You Munch On Them

Dry fruits are excellent substitutes for high-calorie snacks, enhancing stamina, energy, and nutrition.

Dry fruits lessen calorie intake, decrease blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and help to lose weight. The dry fruits recommended in our daily diet are almonds, figs, walnuts, cashew, and pistachios.

Pistachios are not only tasty but also extremely healthy. National Pistachio Day is celebrated in Middle East areas to remember the 'smiling nut.'

Pistachio Vs. Other Nuts

Pistachios are seeds of the pistachio tree, loaded with numerous benefits. They are enriched with more antioxidants than most other seeds and nuts. Only pecans and walnuts contain more.

Even though pistachio is a member of the cashew family, there are more minerals and vitamins in pistachio than cashew nuts. Semi-essential amino acids are more abundantly found in pistachio than any other nuts - which aids blood flow by dilating the blood vessels.

Pistachio Health Benefits

Scientific evidence has proved that pistachios are rich in nutrients, low in calories, packed with antioxidants, good for eye health, and beneficial for gut health.

Pistachios are also beneficial for vegetarians and vegans as they are higher in proteins. It contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing heart disease. The low glycemic index reduces the risks related to diabetes. They protect cells from harm and help to lower cancer chances. Consumption of pistachio lowers blood pressure in persons not affected with diabetes mellitus.

Uses Of Pistachio Shells

If we eat pistachios, we might be stuck with the shells. Unsalted shells can be used in myriad ways in our garden.

The shell can be used as organic mulch to keep the soil moist, suppress weeds and boost fertility. Pistachio shells can be used as a potted plant filler, and salted shells can be used as a physical barrier around plants to avoid damage from snails and slugs. The shell is good to make fire, like wood, and finally, indigenous artists use a pistachio shell for their various art forms.

Production Of Pistachio

The United States and Iran are the leading producers of pistachio. Pistachio trees grow in most soils, but the factors like heavy clay, shallow soils, or light sand may affect nut production and tree size.

Well-drained fertile soil with a neutral pH value is suitable for growth, and planting with a rooting depth of more than 23.6 in (60 cm) increases commercial nut production.

Pistachio can be consumed either raw or roasted. Shelled and in-shell pistachio is also available in stores and is also used in salads. Pistachio gelato is a popular sweet delicacy - like ice cream. They have a rich, buttery taste which can be addictive.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of pistachio nuts?

A: Pistachios contain more than 30 types of vitamins, phytonutrients, and minerals.

Q: How many pistachios should you eat in a day?

A: Scientific studies suggest that the ideal amount of pistachio is about a handful per day, 1.5 ounces (42.5 g).

Q: Are pistachios poisonous?

A: Pistachios can be toxic if harvested poorly due to the growth of some cancerous molds.

Q: Why are pistachios so expensive?

A: The pistachio trees grow only in limited areas of the world, and they take a long time to mature. Moreover, the female tree produces only a small number of seeds, and the peak production is every year. Above all, the crop is labor-intensive - during the last step of processing, the nuts are handpicked to ensure quality.

Q: Are pistachios better than almonds?

A: In some ways, pistachios are better than almonds. They contain more antioxidants, vitamins A and C than almonds.