Pistachio Confections | American Pistachio Growers (2024)

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A World of Tiny Treats

Who doesn’t appreciate an elegant box of candy or a plate of dainty mignardises at the end of a meal? Kids may vote for quantity over quality in candy, but most adults prefer their sweets in small bites. Pistachios shine in this world of confections, the tiny treats that make a restaurant’s coffee service memorable or that add a grace note when the check is presented.

“Pistachios are delicious and pretty,” says Stephen Durfee, pastry chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. “They add diversity and a layer of luxury compared to other nuts.”

Chef Durfee uses pistachios frequently in confections and chocolates. In those applications, he considers the nuts interchangeable with almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts. “If a confectionery recipe works for one type, I assume that I can use another,” says the chef. “It opens up all kinds of versatility.”

The novelty of pistachios can make a familiar pastry or confection more exciting. Try pistachios instead of almonds in frangipane, or make pistachio baklava. Durfee sometimes fills chocolates with pistachio marzipan or Pistachio Chocolate Candy Filling. You can riff on gianduja—the Italian hazelnut and chocolate spread—with pistachio paste; use as a confectionery center, enrobed in dark or white chocolate.

For more pistachio inspiration, look to confections from around the globe. Bone-white torrone (aka nougat) relies on pistachios for eye appeal. Turkish delight, that chewy confection, almost always includes pistachios and a hint of rose water. Pistachio halva is a sumptuous Middle Eastern treat; what an impression it would make with mint tea. An All-American nut brittle made with pistachios could dress up a scoop of ice cream.

Choose your format

Use whole or coarsely chopped pistachios for crunch—in chocolate bark, for example. Finely chopped pistachios can garnish chocolate candies and truffles.

Use pistachio paste for marzipan, gianduja, and confectionery centers.

Use pistachio butter instead of paste when you want to control the sweetness.

Flavor pairings

The following flavors are among the most compatible with pistachios:

  • Chocolate (dark, milk or white)
  • Citrus: orange, blood orange, lemon, Meyer lemon
  • Candied orange
  • Orange blossom water and rose water
  • Wildflower or orange blossom honey
  • Dried fruits: dates, apricots, raisins
  • Spices: saffron, cardamom, clove, sea salt, pink peppercorns
Pistachio Confections | American Pistachio Growers (2024)

FAQs

How many pistachios should you eat in a day? ›

Regularly eating pistachios may help improve health and wellbeing. But people should stick to plain, unsalted pistachio nuts in their shells and avoid eating more than 1 oz a day.

Do pistachio farmers make a lot of money? ›

Pistachio orchard will not provide you profit for the first 3 years. However, after 10 years, it allows you to earn an average of $ 37000 annually. There are very few investments instrument options you can earn such a high annual return after an initial investment of $85000.

How much is an acre of pistachios worth? ›

Based on closed sales from 2020, pistachios in Fresno and Madera counties sold for $17,000-$40,000 an acre on strong demand and increased value. Kern pistachio orchards traded hands for $30,000 to $48,000 on strong demand and a value trend said to be stable to climbing.

What is the American Pistachio Growers Grant? ›

American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State.

What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Can we drink water after eating pistachios? ›

Answer: Yes you can drink water after eating pistachios because, it can be soaked in water before eating to make it easy to digest.

Who grows the best pistachios in the world? ›

Iran has the most favorable climate for cultivating pistachio trees. Among the provinces of Iran, around 52% of the bearable pistachio orchards (About 175,000 hectares) are located in Kerman which has hot, dry summers, and cool winters.

What state grows the most pistachios? ›

Approximately 99 percent of U.S. pistachios are produced in California.

Who is the largest consumer of pistachios in the world? ›

Pistachio consumption in figures
Consumer countryMetric tonnes consumed 2022-2023
United States471.746
Turkey240.000
Iran91.000
Syria19.500
3 more rows
Feb 27, 2024

How many male pistachios are in a female tree? ›

Both male and female trees are needed in the orchard for pollination, with ratios of 1:14 to 1:25 male to female trees. Pistachio trees will produce some nuts after about five to six years but will not become profitable until seven or eight years old.

How many pistachios equal 1-ounce? ›

Pistachio Nutrition

A 1-ounce serving of pistachios, which is about 49 kernels, has about 159 calories and: 5.72 grams of protein.

Where is the best place to grow pistachios? ›

Pistachios thrive in warm, dry climates with hot summers and cool, wet winters. Regions in the United States with a Mediterranean climate such as California are best for growing pistachios. At home, provide a full sun location with well-drained soil and access to water during the hot, dry summers.

Where do Costco pistachios come from? ›

CALIFORNIA GROWN: Wonderful Pistachios owns, cultivates and harvests more than 75,000 acres of pistachio and almond California orchards, where we carefully tend and harvest using the latest sustainable practices.

Why do Americans dye pistachios red? ›

One widely accepted theory suggests that the shells were dyed to hide blemishes. Before the 1980s, most pistachios sold in the US were imported from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. The harvesting process often left stains on the shells, and red dye made them more attractive.

What is the pistachio capital of the United States? ›

Avenal, the Pistachio Capital of the World, is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

What do pistachios do to your body? ›

These nuts have fiber and high quantities of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, all of which are linked to healthy cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. And research shows that eating pistachios – especially when compared to eating other nuts – results in lower blood pressure.

What is the best time to eat pistachios? ›

Eat a handful of pistachios before bedtime for sound sleep

It also improves the quality of our sleep which is mandatory for healing all physical, mental- health and Auto-immune disorders. Eating pistachios also provides our bodies with magnesium and Vitamin B6.

How many calories are in 10 pistachios? ›

Nutrition summary:

There are 39 calories in 10 kernels of Pistachio Nuts. Calorie breakdown: 67% fat, 19% carbs, 14% protein.

Is it OK to eat pistachios every night? ›

Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though. "Don't exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts," London warns. "Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake!"

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