Also known as:
pista

Description
Pistachios can be blanched whole, sliced or chopped. It is a handy addition for sweet as well as savoury preparations. Shelled blanched pistachios have a vibrant green color that makes it very appealing. To blanch the pistachios, remove the shells, place pistachios in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and drain immediately. Place hot pistachios on a towel, fold the towel over to cover the pistachios, and rub to loosen the skins. Go over the pistachios one by one to separate the kernels from the skins.

Blanched and chopped pistachios
Blanched pistachios can be chopped using a sharp knife and then cut it into half from the centre. Cut the half portion into another half and remove the seeds from centre. Chop ingredients by cutting them in small pieces approximately ¼ inch in diameter, although the chopped food doesn't need to be exactly the same size. If the recipe calls for the ingredients to be "coarsely chopped," make the pieces slightly larger

Blanched and sliced pistachios
Blanched pistachios can be sliced using a sharp knife and then cut it into half from the centre. Slice by cutting vertically across the cutting board. Slice it thinly or thickly, as desired. It is best used for garnishing Sweet dishes or any vegetable/rice preparation.

How to Select
Choose nuts that are split open at one end. Unopened shells are an indicator of immaturity. The greener the nutmeat, the better the flavor. Though readily blanched Pistachios are available but it's always advisable to blanch at home, as it's a very simple and is not at all time consuming. For cooking purposes, it is best to choose pistachios that have not been dyed.

Culinary Uses
" Blanched pistachios are instant addition to any sweet preparation or can be used for filling.
" It is best used to garnish any sweet dish, desserts, cakes and also savoury preparations.
" To make the pistachio marzipan, blanched pistachios are used.
" Also, pistachio paste can be made and can be stuffed or blended in cream and used.

How to Store
After blanching, confirm that they are dried thoroughly and then can be stored in an air tight jar in a refrigerator.

Health Benefits
" Blanching Pistachios have the same amount of nutritional benefits as Pistachios except for the fact; some amount of fiber is lost as it is peeled off.
" Also, blanching makes easy for older people and young toddlers to chew on healthy nut.