Pistachios - beneficial properties and contraindications. Why so expensive? Real pistachio: a brief description of trees and their fruits Origin of pistachio

Pistachio is a small genus of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs of the Sumacaceae family, distributed in the subtropical, partly tropical regions of the Old and New Worlds. They are distributed in the Mediterranean, Northeast Africa, Western, Central and Eastern Asia.

Pistachio trees are divided into male and female. Flowers are collected in panicles. The fruit is a stone fruit, containing an elongated seed (a nut in culinary meaning, but not in botanical meaning) with a hard, whitish shell and a light green kernel, which have a characteristic odor.

Pistachio trees grown in orchards must reach the age of 7-10 years to begin to bear fruit significantly. Maximum nut production is achieved at approximately 20 years of tree age. The fruit comes from a tree that grows very slowly, but lives up to 400 years, and its roots go 15 meters deep. One male tree produces enough pollen for 8-12 female nuts. When the nut ripens, its shell partially opens. When this happens, a click occurs.

Useful properties of pistachios

Pistachios are high in calories, containing up to 60% fatty oil, up to 18% vegetable protein and carbohydrates, combined with a high content of vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for humans. They contain a lot of vitamin E, a known natural antioxidant that rejuvenates the body.

Nutritional value per 100 g: 20.8 g protein, 51.6 g fat, 16.4 g carbohydrates, 2.6 g minerals, 1.08 mg vitamin B1, 1.24 mg vitamin B2, 0.08 mg vitamin E. Energy value of 100 g - 642 kcal.

Pistachio fruits contain tannin, which is used in medicine as an astringent, used externally for burns, weeping ulcers, and as a mouth rinse for stomatitis; inside - for colitis, in enemas - for inflammation of the rectum. In case of poisoning, it is recommended as an antidote due to its ability to precipitate heavy metals, glycosides and alkaloids (except morphine, cocaine, atropine, nicotine). In folk medicine, pistachio fruits are used for thinness, tuberculosis and chest diseases.

Pistachios are an excellent source of copper, manganese and vitamin B6, as well as protein, dietary fiber, thiamine and phosphorus. In addition, pistachios have a high content of polyphenol antioxidants and only the nuts contain significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Scientists from the University of Toronto found that a handful of pistachios, eaten along with foods with a high glycemic index (white bread, for example), reduces the level of sugar and “hunger hormones” in the blood. Thus, pistachios regulate appetite, which is great news for diabetics.

Obesity and excess weight can lead to type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Nutrition experts call pistachios “the nut for keeping you thin,” thanks to their low calorie content (170 kcal per 30 g) and high fiber content (12% of the daily value per serving).

Recent studies have shown that daily consumption of pistachios may reduce the risk of cancer of the lungs and other organs. The results of the study, conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers, were released at the Cancer Prevention Conference held December 6-9, 2009.

Pistachio nuts or milk (infusion) are recommended for use for hypertension, tuberculosis and anemia, diseases of the stomach and liver, infertility in men and women, with significant physical and mental stress, as well as during the recovery period after severe infectious diseases and to enhance potency. They have an analgesic effect for stomach and liver colic, and an antitussive effect for bronchitis. Used both as part of various dishes and in pure form, 30-40 g of nuts (can be with honey) at a time, but not more than 100 g per day. It is recommended to exclude vegetable oil from the diet.

Dangerous properties of pistachios

Salted pistachios are not recommended for use in case of hypertension, kidney disease and a tendency to

The true pistachio is a multi-stemmed tree or shrub. The plant is a perennial, covered with dense, elongated leaves and bears fruit in clusters of nuts.

Its fruits are quite high in calories, rich in healthy vitamins, they are loved by many people around the globe, they can be consumed either raw or salted and fried, which is more common.

Nuts are also used in the preparation of sweets - creams, cakes and ice cream with a tart pistachio flavor are often found.

You can find a brief description of the trees and their fruits on this page.

What do pistachios look like on plantations?

The pistachio tree is a plant that has been valued in many countries since ancient times and is widely used in the preparation of both food products and the chemical production of medicines and perfumes. The fruit itself, as well as resins and oils, and various tanning products, are also uniquely used. The importance of this plant and its role in global production is extremely difficult to overestimate. However, many lovers of this delicacy still do not know how many beneficial substances are actually hidden in one green nut.

So how do pistachios actually grow, and in what original form are they observed by workers harvesting such a crop? As mentioned at the beginning, green nuts sprout on small trees, often shrubs. The height of a fully formed plant is from 3 meters and usually does not exceed 10 m, while powerful rhizomes extend 10 meters deep into the ground, covering an area twice as large in latitude. The trunk is curved in shape, “curly”, rather than straight, covered with light brownish-gray bark and shrouded in a thick crown of single leathery leaves, glossy on top and matte below.

You can see in the photo what pistachios look like growing on a plantation intended for harvesting:

Photo gallery

However, wild species are also widely found, distributed in their primary, natural habitat. As usual, such trees do not form forests, but grow singly and separately.

What is a pistachio from a botanical point of view, and what kind of nut is it?

It is interesting to know that the green pistachio fruit was first eaten more than 2 thousand years ago. The Chinese gave it the most curious name, calling it “lucky nut”, which is not surprising, because the slightly opened shell of a ripe nut vaguely resembles a smile in its outline. In a past era, pistachios were considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and people in some places even endowed them with magical qualities.

In the modern world, technology has made it possible to study all the rich contents of the fruit; it truly has properties that tonic the body and enrich it with useful microelements. These nuts have high nutritional value because they contain a considerable amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. From an edible point of view, the fruit is considered a drupe, while from a botanical point of view, the hard pistachio is called a seed. The fleshy green seed (also called the kernel) is characterized by an oblong shape and is hidden in a hard shell, in a light beige shell that partially opens along a visible seam when fully ripe.

Answering the question:“What kind of nut does a ripe pistachio have?”, you can start the description in different ways. But approaching the question from an everyday point of view, the answer is simple: the nut is quite small, up to 10 mm, but sometimes there are larger specimens that reach up to 20 mm. It is tightly covered with a shell, has a soft texture, slightly oily, and a correspondingly delicate taste. The greatest abundance of nuts is achieved when the fruit-bearing plant is over 20 years old, but significant yields are collected even after 10 years of life. The fruits vaguely resemble almonds in their elongated shape, but while the almonds are pointed at the ends, the pistachios are round or oval. It also crumbles much more easily in the hands and often breaks when directly trying to open the broken shell.

Look at the pistachio tree in the photo, where you can also clearly see shoots with fruits:

Photo gallery

What pistachio trees look like: photos and descriptions of pistachio branches, leaves and flowers

The leaves of the pistachio, as already mentioned, are dense and long, reminiscent of green ribbons, glistening in the sun with an oily-looking coating, which is actually a waxy coating. This leaf is actively used for decorative purposes, decorating a variety of bouquets and shading a wide variety of flowers of all shades and types. Its exotic origin can complement the bouquet with unique features. From a botanical point of view, the leaves are described as simple and entire, pinnate or trifoliate. What distinguishes the wild pistachio plant and is noticeable to the naked eye is its wide, lush crown, forming a semicircular cap-shaped outline. The color of the shoots turns into a rich green, dark, thick color, turning into characteristic orange and brownish-scarlet tones in the fall.

Pistachio branches bend at different angles, and during the harvest season they sag under whole “bundles” of nuts. They are covered with pale bark if the branches are younger, but the older ones take on a brownish tint. A description of pistachio fruits would not be complete without mentioning that green fruits actually have a reddish tint and lighten as they ripen.

Probably, after reading certain information, most people have some opinion about what pistachio plants look like. A deciduous plant, multi-stemmed, with an often inclined trunk and a squat but extensive crown. Where pistachio trees are grown, planting is preferred on rocky slopes, in semi-desert lands. But what is not visible to the naked eye are the roots, which, by the way, grow in two tiers. This aspect is related to the fact that, growing at a level of 400 m above the sea line, those rhizomes that go deeper into the ground draw moisture during periods when natural precipitation may be insufficient, which usually occurs in autumn and dry summer. In the other two seasons - spring and winter, water is absorbed by the upper tier of the root system, consuming infiltrated rain and melted snow.

You can see how pistachios grow in a video showing different periods, clearly and with explanations:

Thus, it will be possible to see what different pistachio trees look like.

Surprisingly, it is extremely difficult to find a photo where the pistachio flower is clearly visible:

Photo gallery

And the flowers are hidden in thick complex panicles, about 5 cm long, abundantly covered with leaves around. Pictures often show germinating seeds, reddish rounded marigolds peeking out from behind each other and subsequently forming surprisingly large growths.

But in the photo you can see pistachio leaves, dense and leathery, light green in color, and even more striking are the unique formations - galls, specific growths that are beneficial in their own way:

Photo gallery

How pistachio nuts grow: distinctive features

As already explained, in Russia you cannot find a pistachio tree or pistachio bush everywhere. Conditions, unfortunately, developed in such a way that the plant had to be included in the book of endangered species. However, wild varieties can be found in Crimea.

Speaking in more detail about how the pistachio nut itself grows, it is worth highlighting the following points:

the main distinguishing feature is the large clusters in which the seeds are collected;
surrounded by a massive cover of long strips of sheets, covering with a dense curtain from unwanted influence from the outside, and actively absorbing sunlight;
sometimes called “green almonds” or “relatives of cashews” for their distant similarity in shape and taste to their “relatives”;
Properly grown nuts can be stored for several years, preserving the richness of nutrients and the fullness of the flavor bouquet;
the formed kernels are covered with a cream-colored shell, and under it - a dryish pale green husk.

Take a look at the photo to see what the pistachio tree itself looks like, with general characteristics - bent narrow branches, pale bark, wide crown - there are variations in the form of shrubs or domestic, indoor, pets:

Photo gallery

And most likely an untrained person, unlike a specialist, will not distinguish between masculine and feminine flowers, and for a full opportunity to bear fruit, both sides are necessary.

From afar, plantations of shrubs can be mistaken for planting grape plants, as these squat specimens are able to camouflage themselves. In fact, such moments are characteristic precisely because of the natural conditions in which the plant first appeared - relative heat and often drought, plenty of sun.

Where are pistachios grown, and are there pistachio trees in Russia?

There is no suitable answer to the question of where pistachios grow in nature in central Russia, since the climate of these areas is not typical for their successful germination. Those sellers in stores who claim that nuts are grown here should not be trusted, because they are all probably imported from abroad, from those countries where growing conditions are more favorable, the temperature is warmer and does not reach such sharp changes at different times. of the year. Although the tree is considered to be resistant to droughts and able to withstand frosts down to -25, the climate of Central Russia does not spare them. However, in Crimea you can find thickets of wild blunt-leaved pistachio, especially on the southern coast. In hot conditions, it is much easier to achieve successful seed ripening, and the process itself occurs naturally and generally does not require excessive intervention. To understand where a real pistachio tree grows, it is enough to look towards Asia, because it is there that it has been held in special esteem since ancient times. Iran and Iraq are considered their homeland; it is from there that the largest supplies of ripe healthy nuts are made, however, the northwestern territories of Africa also did not stand aside.

Residents of Central Asia know best of all in which countries pistachios grow. Thus, wild species can be found on the lands of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Turkish plantations nowadays occupy a significant place in the world market for growing cultivated species and supplying them to all corners of the planet. Not everyone knows, but initially pistachios sprouted in Persia, and were considered here a symbol of wealth and longevity, since their beneficial properties could not go unnoticed by local residents even in the absence of an appropriate level of scientific development. It would be wrong to name just one country where pistachio trees grow independently, since now they are found even in some areas of America and Australia. Although they still take root best in territories close to modern Syria, Iran and Iraq.

Types and varieties of wild pistachios and cultivated bushes

Pistachios never grow singly on trees, but such clusters ripen in the middle, towards the end of autumn, in October or November. The wild blunt-leaved pistachio is somewhat different in appearance. This species inhabits the territory of Crimea, occurring in areas between Sevastopol and Koktebel, and on the Caucasian coast it is distributed from Sukko to Betta. Such plants, unlike cultivated varieties, can form rare forest populations, but not in their pure form within one family, but in addition to oaks and junipers. Wild species are very fond of sunlight and warmth, and are able to withstand soil salinity, which allows them to inhabit the Black Sea coast without interference. This type is also not found in Russia, and has long been listed in the Red Book as a rare endangered species, a “tertiary relict”. The northern border of the habitat of wild varieties lies in these territories. By the way, the fruits of wild trees turn red when ripe, which is typical, and form dry drupes that ripen in the summer and finish ripening in the fall, that is, from July to November, when the plant is already 2 years old.

There are many known species of pistachio plants, the genus of which numbers from 10 to 20 different units. Among them are trees such as Wild Pistachio (also known as Keva or Turpentine tree), and others, such as Mastic tree, Turpentine tree, American and Chinese Pistachio, which is considered to be the most resistant to cold, as well as Hinjuk Pistachio. Cultivated pistachio varieties also have a rich variety of varieties, developed through selective breeding and characterized by high yields. Among them is a variety with the poetic name “Mountain Pearl”, which is a medium-sized tree, the seeds of which ripen to white color and do not lose their richness of taste, up to several years. The Oktyabrsky variety is notable for its yield, although it is not as rich as Zhemchuzhina, but among its special characteristics it has a distinctive astringent aftertaste, which adds its own zest. But Dangarinka is notable not only for its vigorous growth of the tree, but also for the fact that upon final formation, the nut reaches a pinkish tone and, among other things, is very good for transportation. Varieties are also known under the names Albina, Zorka, Otrada, Azerbaijan and many others; when filling plantations, the choice is really great.

It will not be superfluous to note that the presence of pistachios in the diet will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Small portions of nuts reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and increase the overall tone of the body, so it is not without reason that they are recommended for chronic fatigue syndrome. Of course, you shouldn’t overuse it, because in everything it’s good to follow the golden mean: these nuts are rich not only in microelements and substances necessary for humans, but are also very high in calories and quite allergenic.

Pistachios beneficial properties

Nutritional value per 100 g: 2.6 g of minerals, 1.08 mg of vitamin B1, 1.24 mg of vitamin B2, 0.08 mg of vitamin E.

1st place for the presence of iron.

Record holders for the presence of calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese

Pistachios harmful properties

Salted pistachios are not recommended for use if you have hypertension, kidney disease or a tendency to edema.

These nuts should also be consumed with caution by nursing mothers and no earlier than seven months after the baby is born. The harm of these nuts is due to the fact that they can cause allergic reactions, especially in children, in whom they can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

To avoid any complications such as rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, sneezing, treat pistachios with caution. Moreover, if you overdo it with the amount you eat, you may get nausea and dizziness.

"Tree of Life"- not a biblical fiction, but a real tree on which pistachios, popular nuts all over the world, grow.

They are called nuts in cooking, and from a botanical point of view, pistachios are seeds.

The trees on which these nuts grow received such a great name because of the beneficial properties that pistachios are endowed with.

These nuts were considered a sign of wealth.

In the East, in ancient times, pistachios were even used as currency. But is such a special attitude towards these nuts justified? What more benefit or harm will consuming pistachios bring to the human body? To answer these questions, it is worth studying the composition of these nuts.

Calorie content and composition of pistachios

The beneficial properties of pistachios can be explained by their composition. These nuts contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, water, mono- and disaccharides, starch and ash. Moreover, the largest part consists of proteins, fats and starch. That's why the calorie content of pistachios 556 kcal per 100 g. Due to their high calorie content, these nuts should not be consumed in large quantities by those who are protecting their figure. In addition, pistachios contain a large amount of amino acids.

As for vitamins and minerals, pistachios contain a huge amount of them.

Vitamins contained in these nuts:

Vitamin PP

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B9

Vitamin E

Vitamin H (biotin)

One serving of 100 grams of pistachios contains more than half of the daily requirement for vitamin B1 and PP, and more than a quarter for vitamins B5, B6, E and H (biotin).

But one serving of pistachios contains several times more of some micro- and macroelements than a person needs to consume per day.

These nuts contain the following substances:

Calcium

Manganese

Molybdenum

Vanadium

Silicon

Cobalt

Strontium

Zirconium

Aluminum

Impressive list, isn't it? Iron, manganese, vanadium and silicon are contained in one serving of pistachios (100 g) in quantities much greater than the daily requirement of the human body for these substances. That’s why pistachios have many beneficial properties.

How are pistachios used?

Thanks to their taste and beneficial composition, pistachios have long won the love of consumers. These nuts are popular as a snack for beer. But besides this, pistachios are eaten in different forms.

Pistachio ice cream, pistachio candies- popular sweets using this nut. Pistachios are combined with meat dishes and salads. They will help add a delicious aroma to any dish.

In addition, pistachios are also used in cosmetology. More precisely, not the nuts themselves, but the oil that is made from them. Pistachio oil helps whiten the skin, so it is included in whitening products that help get rid of age spots and freckles.

For hair used pistachio oil in its pure form, or combined with other oils, for example, jojoba oil. Pistachio oil helps make hair shinier and stronger, has a strengthening effect on hair follicles, and therefore helps combat the cause of hair loss.

With the help of pistachio oil, you can get rid of facial wrinkles and refresh your complexion. For facial skin, pistachio oil is used as a base oil, to which essential oils are added - chamomile, rose, orange, etc.

Pistachio oil is beneficial and for nails. It is used, as in the case of skin, as a base oil to which other oils are added. The mixture of oils is applied to the nail plate and massaged. This procedure will help strengthen your nails and make them less fragile.

The health benefits of pistachios are as undeniable as they are for their appearance. In ancient times, these nuts were used to treat diseases, but how do pistachios affect various internal organ systems? More on this later.

The benefits of pistachios for the human body

The beneficial properties of pistachios have been known since ancient times, which is why these nuts were previously highly valued. Today, in times of availability of any product, people for the most part do not know what health benefits will come from eating pistachios or any other product.

1. Vitamin PP, which is contained in pistachios, is beneficial for the body. It takes part in digestion and in normalizing the hormonal levels of the human body. This vitamin is officially recognized as a medicine and is sold in its pure form in pharmacies. Vitamin PP is involved in the formation of blood and helps remove cholesterol from the blood.

2. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, contained in pistachios, is necessary for people whose bodies are exposed to additional stress - pregnant women, athletes, the elderly and people who perform heavy physical work. This vitamin helps restore strength and enhance mental activity. Therefore, it is important to consume this vitamin during the postoperative period and after illness, so that the body can recover faster. Like other B vitamins, thiamine has a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to cope with insomnia and depression.

3. Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, which is contained in these nuts, is called the beauty vitamin, as it helps the skin remain firm and elastic. In addition, vitamin B2 helps the body convert sugars, fats and carbohydrates into energy. Riboflavin is necessary for tissue growth and has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system.

4. Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is extremely necessary for the human body, as this vitamin helps the absorption of other vitamins. Therefore, older people in particular should pay attention to their diet and prevent vitamin B5 deficiency, since in old age nutrients are absorbed much less well. In addition, pantothenic acid helps burn fat, which is why it received the name “architect of a slim figure.”

5. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 useful for diabetics, as it helps normalize blood glucose levels and curb sudden increases in this substance. In addition, pyridoxine helps the absorption of fatty acids and improves metabolism in brain tissue. Together with other B vitamins, vitamin B6 has a healing effect on the cardiovascular and nervous system. This vitamin helps prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis, ischemia and myocardial infarction.

6. Vitamin B9 or folic acid, which is contained in pistachios, is extremely necessary for pregnant women. Indeed, with a lack of this vitamin, severe developmental defects occur in the fetus. Therefore, gynecologists recommend consuming folic acid even at the stage of pregnancy planning. In addition, vitamin B9 helps strengthen the immune system and is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. Folic acid has a positive effect on the liver and digestive system.

7. Tocopherol or vitamin E found in few foods, but pistachios are one of them. Tocopherol helps slow down the aging process in the body. Thanks to the effects of this vitamin, the skin becomes firm and elastic, less susceptible to stretch marks, the risk of scar formation is reduced, and the skin is less susceptible to the appearance of “senile” pigmentation. This vitamin helps improve tissue regeneration, lower blood sugar levels, and improve immunity. Vitamin E helps lower blood pressure and ensure normal blood clotting.

These are just some of the beneficial properties of pistachios, due only to the presence of beneficial vitamins in their composition. Besides, pistachios are good for the intestines, since they contain a large amount of fiber. These nuts help improve peristalsis and cleanse the body of toxins and waste.

Lutein, which is part of these fruits of the “tree of life,” helps improve visual acuity. Pistachios are a strong aphrodesiac, which can increase sexual desire.

In addition, pistachios are recommended for consumption by people who suffer from respiratory diseases. A positive effect of pistachios on heart function has been noted - in case of tachycardia, consuming these nuts will help lower the heart rate.

The benefits of pistachios for the nervous system are undeniable - these nuts are recommended for consumption by people whose work is associated with increased brain activity and constant stress. Eating pistachios will help normalize sleep, get rid of nervousness, irritability and chronic fatigue.

Are pistachios harmful to health?

Pistachios have many beneficial properties, but will eating pistachios cause harm? It is worth remembering that these nuts are a strong allergen. Therefore, if a person is prone to allergies, you should refrain from eating pistachios, or introduce these nuts into your diet carefully.

Eating pistachios in large quantities will not bring benefits to the body - nausea and dizziness will appear, since it is a high-calorie product. Just a small amount of pistachios will help lower cholesterol levels. If you eat a large amount of these nuts, it will affect your figure.

In other cases, you can eat these healthy nuts, since the benefits of eating them are much greater than the harm.

Pistachios for children: good or bad?

Pistachios are a strong allergen, so they should not be introduced into the diet of a small child. Ideally, nuts are introduced into the diet from age 5. But you can give it a try at 3 years old, starting with one little thing. This should not be done before, since eating pistachios can cause various reactions in the body - from itching to anaphylactic shock.

But pistachios also have many beneficial properties. They contain vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the normal growth and development of a child. Pistachios have a positive effect on the immune system and nervous system, so these nuts are recommended to be included in the diet of children who interact with other children in kindergarten or school.