Pistachios are a popular Dry Fruit enjoyed by many around the world. Their crunchy texture and good taste make them a favourite for casual snackers. Gourmet chefs also make use of Pistachios in making desserts. However, if you’ve opened a bag of pistachios, you might have noticed some shells with strange stains. While these stains might look unwanted at first, they carry some good benefits. Read on to understand why these stains matter!
Pistachio shells differ from other nut shells as they don’t fully enclose the nut inside. Instead, as the pistachio matures, the shell naturally splits open. This “crack” is a natural occurrence that happens before the pistachio reaches full maturity. It’s a key feature that makes them so special!
After the nuts are harvested, something interesting happens. The shells trap moisture from the harvest process, leading to noticeable stains. This typically occurs within 24 hours of picking, showcasing the freshness of the nuts.
The Problem with Bleaching
Despite the natural quality of stained pistachio shells, some producers dislike their appearance. To make Pistachios more appealing to customers, they choose to bleach them. Bleaching is a process where chemicals, like hydrogen peroxide, are used to make the shells look white and clean. While this might make the shells look prettier, it raises some serious concerns.
Bleaching can have negative effects, especially on the health benefits that the nuts offer. Research hasn’t firmly established how bleaching affects the phytochemical levels in pistachios. But there are some important considerations. Phytochemicals are natural compounds that contribute to a lot of health benefits, including antioxidant properties.
Benefits Of Stained Pistachios
Pistachios have several beneficial phytochemicals, such as quercetin, luteolin, and anthocyanins. These chemicals can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, & even enhance brain function.
Interestingly, bleaching has been shown to decrease the levels of these healthy compounds. The different amounts of hydrogen peroxide can reduce the levels of anthocyanins, a form of antioxidants found in pistachio skins.
This suggests that bleaching chemicals could destroy the beneficial properties that we want from our snacks.
Pistachios With Stained Shell Are A Good Choice
So, what does this all mean for us as regular consumers of Nuts? Seeing stained pistachio shells isn’t a sign of poor quality. Instead, it could indicate that you are choosing a healthier option! The stains show that the nut is natural and has not been treated with chemicals like bleach.
Quick Recipe With Pistachios
What You Need:
1 English cucumber, cut into chunks (make sure to remove the seeds!)
2 radishes, sliced really thin
1/2 cup raw shelled pistachios
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 ripe avocados, diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
In a big bowl, mix all the vegetables and seasonings together. Don’t add the avocado or lemon juice yet!
In a separate bowl, cut up the avocado and squeeze some lemon juice on it. Gently mix it so all the pieces are covered with lemon juice. This keeps the avocado from turning brown!
Now, add the avocado to the big bowl with the other vegetables and mix it in carefully.
Put the salad in the fridge for about an hour or two. This helps all the flavors mix together. After that, it’s time to eat and enjoy!
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https://ministryofnuts.in/products/roasted-salted-pistachios-750-grams
