Pistachios are a great source of plant-based protein, and their notable content of arginine (the amino acid of potency) is remarkable. They are also very rich in oleic acid, which helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as blood pressure, and regulates lipid metabolism and body weight balance.
They also provide phytosterols and minerals (up to 23!), including copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Pistachios also contain many vitamins, such as vitamin E and folic acid, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their antioxidant action.
Raw shelled pistachios are a good appetizer due to their satiating power. They are widely used in pastry and ice cream, being part of cakes, ice creams, nougats, chocolates, etc.
Raw pistachios, organically grown. Pistachio is the seed of the pistachio tree, a small tree native to the Near East, which thrives in low humidity and high temperature conditions. The fruit, covered by a green fleshy skin, contains the shell with the seed inside, which is in turn wrapped with a characteristic purple skin. When ripe, the shell breaks and partially opens abruptly, with an audible sound.
