1 August 2015
About Pistachio NutsPistachio nuts are the fruits of the tree Pistacia vera which belongs to the cashew family and native to the Middle East and Central Asia.
Today this tree can also be found in India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Italy and the USA. The Pistacia vera TreeThe tree is small and grows to about 25-30 feet high. Male and female trees are separate. The tree bears fruits that are in fact seeds directly inside a hard shell.
The tree tends to droop during initial stages of growth and may need supporting with stakes. The attractive foliage makes them a great ornamental tree as well. The Pistacia vera tree grows in desert areas and tolerates saline soil as well as wide temperature extremes from -10 degrees C to 48 degrees C. For the tree to grow well the soil needs to be one that drains easily and effectively and the tree also does not grow well in areas of high humidity. Pistacia vera matures in 8 to 10 years, achieves full maturity at 15-20 years of age and produces fruits for hundreds of years. The tree produces optimum pistachios every alternate year. Each tree produces about 50 Kilos of seeds every 2 years. The Pistachio Fruit - Pistachio NutThe fruit is a drupe with a thin hard shell enclosing a elongated edible seed. The seed has a purplish red skin and light green flesh. The fruits are borne in clusters just like grapes.
At maturity the shell changes color to yellow red and splits partly open. The kernel is from yellow to various shades of green which is spread throughout the kernel. Pistachio nuts are rich in oil and the greener the nut the more valued it is. The fruit is eaten fresh, roasted and salted and also used to make pistachio butter and paste, and many other confections. Nutritional Benefits Of Pistachio Nuts
Nutrients In Pistachio NutsPistachio (Pistacia vera),
Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 557 Kcal 29% Carbohydrates 27.97 g 21.5% Protein 20.60 g 37% Total Fat 44.44 g 148% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 10.3g 27% Vitamins Folates 51 µg 13% Niacin 1.3 mg 8% Pantothenic acid 0.520 mg 10% Pyridoxine 1.7 mg 131% Riboflavin 0.160 mg 12% Thiamin 0.870 mg 72.5% Vitamin A 553 IU 18% Vitamin C 5 mg 8% Vitamin E 22.60 mg 150% Electrolytes Sodium 1 mg 0% Potassium 1025 mg 22% Minerals Calcium 107 mg 11% Copper 1.3 mg 144% Iron 4.15 mg 52 % Magnesium 121 mg 30% Manganese 1.2 mg 52% Phosphorus 376 mg 54% Selenium 7 µg 13% Zinc 2.20 mg 20% Phyto-nutrients Carotene-ß 332 µg -- Crypto-xanthin-ß 0 µg -- Lutein-zeaxanthin 0 µg -- Health Benefits Of Pistachio Nuts
Some Pistachio FactsHere are some facts about pistachios versus other tree nuts like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts and pecans.
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DisclaimerThe information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or embarking on a new health regime.
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