Pistachio, the green taste that has conquered the world

History, curiosity, fruit: everything there is to know about pistachio.

Its particular flavor has conquered the world so much that it can be found everywhere: in ice cream, cakes, creams and even nougats. What are we talking about? But of pistachio, of course: the most loved green taste ever.

History of pistachio

Pistachios have very ancient origins: the first evidence of this plant and its fruits dates back to prehistoric times, when they were used by the peoples who lived in ancient Persia.

The Bronte pistachio

It was the Arabs who spread the cultivation of Pistachio in Sicialia and, to confirm this, it is enough to consider the etymological affinity of the dialect name given to this fruit with the corresponding Arabic term. Frastuca (the fruit) and Frastucara (the plant) derive, in fact, from the Arabic terms “fristach”, “frastuch” and “festuch”, in turn derived from the Persian word “fistich”. The species had particular development starting from the second half of the nineteenth century in the provinces of Caltanissetta, Agrigento and Catania. In the latter, at the foot of the Etna volcano, in the territory of Bronte, it experienced its maximum expansion, so much so that in 1860 entire pastures and uncultivated land were transformed into pistachio groves and the Pistachio became the fulcrum of the entire agricultural and economic system of the area. In addition to being a product with a protected designation of origin, it is also a Slow Food Presidium.

The Plant and the fruit

Pistachio is a shrub with deep roots, gnarled and twisted troch and gray in color and deciduous foliage. The fruit comes in the form of clusters similar to those of cherries but with a greater number of elements. They are walnuts, with a rubbery and resinous husk that wraps the very resistant wooden shell. With a bright green color and an intense aroma, the pistachio, especially that of Bronte, retains its color and flavor intact even for months after hulling.

Uses of Pistachio

Pistachio is highly prized and, due to its aromatic and pleasant flavor, highly sought after in confectionery, ice cream parlors and for flavoring and flavoring many other products. For example, our company uses it in nougat, sugared almonds, chocolate and much more to please all fans of this taste.

Curiosity about pistachio

We conclude our study on pistachio by pointing out some curiosities:

• pistachios have a high energy content, rich in fiber and vitamins. They are cholesterol, gluten and dairy free
• Until the 1980s, the shells of important pistachio nuts from the Middle East were painted a reddish hue to hide any stains due to hand picking
• pistachios also have aphrodisiac powers

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