You already know pistachio nuts are delicious, but did you know they are one of the healthiest snacks you can eat or serve? Let's take a closer look at why these nuts are not only good, but good for you...
The Versatile Pistachio
\"healthy Snack\"
If you're a gourmet nut lover, you've probably indulged in pistachios. As good as they taste, these nuts are likely used more in cooking and baking than for actual snacking.
Pistachios are often used in desserts because they provide an excellent taste and texture contrast in a sweet treat like ice cream, cookies, and cakes. They are used to garnish salads and are great in stir fry dishes. They are softer than just about any other nut, yet maintain a slightly crunchy texture. Their flavor is rich, nutty and slightly sweet, which is probably why they appeal to just about everyone.
Pistachios are grown on trees, most commonly in California and the country of Turkey. Although the two varieties look alike (California and Turkey), the taste is slightly different. The Turkish variety is often just a bit larger and has a more pronounced nutty taste. Both types are generally available, but if you have a hard time locating Turkish pistachios, you'll find them at specialty online retailers.
Health Benefits Of Pistachios
All nuts are surprisingly good for you, and pistachios are no exception. First of all, they are one of the lowest calorie nuts. Like other nuts, they contain fat, but it is unsaturated, the "good" fat.
As far as vitamins and minerals, these nuts contain several that are key to overall good health. Protein and fiber lead the list, both of which are essential for energy and digestion.
Next is iron, which is good for bone and muscle health. They also contain healthy quantities of magnesium, which helps fight heart disease and certain types of cancer, specifically prostate. Potassium is another mineral found in these nuts.
Nuts are often recommended as a preferred snack for heart patients, because the overall combination of minerals and antioxidants help improve circulation and blood flow. More importantly, the type of fat found in pistachios and other nuts is similar to what you find in olive oil, whose health benefits are well documented.
Can I Refrigerate Or Freeze Pistachios?
The split you see in the shell of a pistachio means it is ripened. The shells open naturally when they are due for harvesting. If you shell these nuts, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three months, or freeze them for a year. We recommend storing them in a resealable bag.
You can keep unshelled pistachios in the refrigerator, but don't freeze them. Doing so will alter the structure and possibly the flavor.
But frankly, pistachios taste so good they seldom make it to long term storage. Given their great taste and numerous health benefits, it's no wonder!
Pistachio Nuts - Why Pistachios Are Such a Healthy Snack
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