How Are Pistachios Processed?
- Growing and Harvesting. Pistachios are grown on trees. The nuts take about seven years to mature after the tree is...
- Washing and Drying. Within 24 hours of being harvested, machines remove the outer hull from the pistachio, and the nuts...
- Preparing Pistachios. Pistachios are often eaten raw, but they also can be roasted or salted prior to...
Full Answer
Why are pistachios sold in their shells?
Why Pistachios Are Sold in Their Shells — Unlike Most Nuts. They're even gaining credibility as a tool for weight loss — partly because, like other nuts, they give a person a full feeling, and partly because the extra work needed to crack their shells and extract them helps to slow down consumption.
How to process pistachios at home?
Method 3 Method 3 of 4: Preparing the Pistachios for Roasting Download Article
- Get plain pistachios. Buy pistachios that are raw and have no flavoring on them. ...
- Buy pistachios in bulk to save money. Pistachios are an expensive nut and can be costly if they are bought in small amounts.
- Remove the shells on the pistachios. Take the shells off by finding the opening on the shell. ...
- Leave the shells on for a more subtle flavor. ...
Are pistachios tree nuts or legumes?
Tree nuts grow on trees, whereas peanuts grow underground and are considered legumes. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.
Do pistachios have soy?
Pistachios have no cholesterol and a one ounce serving has only 170 calories. Nuts also offer a host of other nutrients such as folate, vitamin E, phosphorus and magnesium. ... soy and other nuts, and allergens. We do not process peanuts in our own facility; however, we use ingredients that may be manufactured in plants that DO process peanuts ...
How to harvest pistachios?
Just spread a large tarp under the tree so the ripe nuts aren’t harmed by falling in the dirt. Pistachio orchardists use mechanical “shakers” to loosen the nuts, but you can dislodge them by rapping the branches with a sturdy pole or a rubber mallet.
How to tell when pistachios are ripe?
It’s easy to tell when pistachio harvest season is getting closer because the hulls lose their green hue and take on a reddish-yellow tint. When the nuts are fully ripe, the epicarp turns rosy red and begins to separate from the inner shell as the developing nut expands.
Do pistachios grow in hot or cold climates?
Image by bariskaradeniz. Pistachio trees thrive in climates with hot summers and relatively cool winters. Although we think of pistachios as nuts, the delicious, nutritious treats are actually seeds.
Do pistachios have a hard shell?
The pistachios we purchase in grocery stores have a hard shell, but we never see the outer hull, which is known as the epicarp. The epicarp adheres to the inner shell until the pistachio ripens, then it is removed.
Where do pistachios grow?
Growing and Harvesting. American Pistachios. The pistachio tree Pistacia vera originated in western Asia and Asia Minor, made its way into Mediterranean Europe and now thrives in the dry climates of the American west. Advanced production technologies, efficient harvesting and sophisticated growing techniques now make the United States number one in ...
When do pistachios come out?
Nature decides when it’s time to harvest pistachios. In the American West, harvest takes place anywhere from late – August to early – October when the fruit is mature and the shell has split.
How many machines are needed to harvest pistachios?
Pistachio harvesting involves two machines, a shaker and a catcher. Each machine requires an operator to drive and steer the vehicle and control the harvesting operations. The catcher and shaker are self-propelled vehicles with a moveable, tarped, deck that each operator positions under a tree.
How long does it take for pistachios to dry?
The drying process cannot be rushed, nor can it be delayed. Typically, it takes 3-4 days for the nuts to dry on their own, if put on drying tables in the sun.
How to get pistachios off a tree?
Pistachios will fall off the tree when the branches are given a sharp shake. A rubber mallet hitting a branch, a fist or mechanical shaker can be used. Put sheets or tarps under the tree to catch the nuts. You don’t want the nuts to fall in the dirt (you will lose them or the epicarp will tear).
How thick is a pistachio?
The hull of the pistachio is called the epicarp. It is about 1/16 of an inch thick and adheres tightly to the hard-inner shell until the nut is ripe. Take your thumb and forefinger and squeeze the nut. If the epicarp has separated from the hard-inner shell, the epicarp will easily come apart and can be peeled off.
How long do pistachios last?
Pistachios can be held at temperatures up to 68° F without significant quality deterioration for as long as one year.
When do pistachios ripen?
Pistachios ripen in the month of September almost exclusively around the world except for Australia which harvests in February. In exceptionally hot summers, harvest may be early (last week of August).
Can pistachios be salted?
From there, pistachios may be salted and seasoned to the desired taste.
What is the best way to dry pistachios?
Hot air heating machines are used to dry pistachios. These machines make it possible to dry the pistachios quickly and without contamination. The duration of the drying process depends on the temperature, speed of airflow, and depth of the pistachio pile.
Where are pistachios collected in a water tank?
The healthy and heavier pistachios are collected at the bottom of the water tank .
