Pistachios are one of the most famous and delicious Iranian nuts, which are consumed both fresh and dried. This delicious nut has many health benefits and for this reason, it is very important in Iranian food culture and is used in sweets, desserts and Different foods.
About pistachios
Pistachio is the fruit of a plant of the Anacardiaceae family that grows in parts of Central Asia and the Middle East, especially in the countries of Iran, Syria and Afghanistan, but other countries such as the United States of America and Turkey also grow this plant. America, Iran and Turkey have a significant share of pistachio exports in the world. Meanwhile, Iranian pistachios are much more famous and have higher quality compared to other pistachio in the world.
The height of the pistachio tree is usually between 5 and a maximum of 10 meters and rarely reaches more than 10 meters. This tree needs moisture and relatively tropical weather for proper growth. In Iran, more than 90 different types of this nut are planted in the provinces of Kerman, Yazd, Khorasan, Fars, Semnan, Sistan and Baluchistan, Markazi, Isfahan, Qazvin and Tehran. The cities of Damghan, Rafsanjan, Zarand Shahr, Keshkoviyeh, Sirjan, Buin Zahra, Anar and Niriz account for nearly 80% of all this delicious nut produced in Iran.
During its growth stages, this plant needs irrigation and special care and must receive various mineral, organic and chemical substances such as nitrogen, sodium and boron in the form of solid or soluble fertilizers. The cold resistance of this plant is almost suitable and it is not damaged by temperature drop, but still it is better to be protected from extreme cold.
Types of Iranian pistachios
More than 90 different species of this plant are cultivated in Iran, some of which are exported to other countries due to their better appearance and pleasant taste, and are more famous than other species. Currently, the most well-known models of Iranian pistachios include Akbari pistachio, Khanjari, Ohadi, Kale Qouchi and Ahmad Aghaei. Almost all of these models have a larger size, more beautiful coloring and a more pleasant taste compared to other species of this plant.
Health benefits of pistachios
Pistachio is a very tasty nut, but in addition to its pleasant taste, it contains very useful nutrients for the health of the body. By eating about 28 grams of pistachios, your body will receive substances such as calories, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, thiamin, copper and manganese.
High antioxidant
Antioxidant is one of the substances that is necessary for the health of body cells and reducing the risk of cancer. This substance is found in various nuts and seeds, including pistachios. These nuts contain several different types of antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which are very useful for maintaining eye health. In addition, there are high amounts of two antioxidants, tocopherols and polyphenols, in this nut. These antioxidants play an effective role in preventing heart diseases and cancer.
Effective in weight loss
Pistachios are rich in protein and fiber. These two substances increase the feeling of satiety and will reduce your desire to eat food and thus reduce weight. Based on the research conducted on the effect of this delicious nut in weight loss, it has been shown that people who eat 53 grams of this nut daily will experience more weight loss than people who do not use this substance.
Effective in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol
All kinds of edible nuts and seeds have very good effects on chronic diseases such as cholesterol and high blood pressure. Among nuts, due to its high antioxidant content, this nut play an effective role in reducing bad cholesterol or LDL and increasing good cholesterol or HDL and can prevent heart diseases and high blood pressure.
The difference between fresh and dry pistachios
This delicious nut belongs to the category of nuts that can be consumed both fresh and dried. Fresh pistachios are soft and smell good. The harvesting season for these nuts is in the fall, and you can usually find fresh or raw pistachios in the Iranian market during this season as well. Of course, digesting fresh pistachio may be a little difficult for people who have food digestion problems, and it is better for these people to use only dried pistachio.
Dried pistachios are produced in two ways. The simple dry type is just a pistachio whose moisture has been removed by heat. This type is crunchy and one of the most delicious Iranian nuts. The second type is salted pistachio. This pistachio is dried with salt water and salt crystals stick on it. The taste of this type is salty and very delicious.
Pistachios in sweets, desserts and Iranian foods
Iranians have one of the most diverse food menus in the world and there are many sweets, desserts and food items in Iranian food culture. This nut are one of the most widely used nuts in Iranian sweets and desserts. For example, Gaz is one of the sweets produced in Isfahan. In this sweet, crushed pistachio nuts are used as a flavoring. Also, pistachio is used as the main flavor in Sohan, another Iranian sweet produced in Qom.
In addition to sweets, chopped pistachios are also used as a decoration for food and sweets. These sliced nuts are used to decorate the traditional Iranian ice cream, which is made from milk, goat cheese, cream and saffron. Also, in sweets such as various cookies, Nokhod-chi sweets, all kinds of cakes, Sholle Zard (an Iranian dessert made from rice, rose water, saffron, sugar, water and almond slices and served cold or hot.) this nut are also used.
Some Iranian foods, such as Pesteh-pilo, Kufteh-Ye Pesteh-o Anar, and Khoresht-pesteh, also use these delicious nuts as the main ingredient.
Conclusion
In Iranian culture, pistachio is known as one of the most popular nuts and seeds, and in addition to the food culture, it has a very special place in ceremonies such as Nowruz, Yalda, Chahar-shanbe-suri, and even celebrations and parties. These delicious nuts, in addition to a very pleasant taste, contain various nutrients that play an important role in maintaining the health of the body and preventing heart diseases, blood pressure, cancer and vision problems
