In a nutshell
Pistachio or pistacchio (IT) comes from Asia. The ancient Greek liked what they saw and imported the plant. It spread all through the Roman empire. About 4,000 years later it reached the English speaking world. The United States started producing the nuts in the 1920s.
Today the happy couple USA-Iran are by far the biggest producers.
Pistacchio pis'takkjo
How do you pronounce pistachio? Italians add a ‘c’ to obtain the ‘k’ sound. In English there is no trace of this ‘k’.
Though Italy is a minor grower, they are important. They know what to do with the nuts. They come up with the recipes. So consider their pronunciation. Especially when coming to Italy.
And visit the wonderful town of Bronte, Sicily. Pistacchio paradise. A must.
Savory pistacchio
Pistacchio goes wonderfully well with pasta. And often two other P’s are added. Panna and pancetta. Pasta with pistachio, cream and bacon. A savory attack that takes no prisoners. Recipe.
They can replace pine nuts in pesto. Or grounded and sprinkled on top of a pasta dish.
In all cases it is better to use un-salted nuts.
Sweet pistacchio
Everybody goes nuts for sweet pistachio. Worked into cream or left entire. It recently conquered its place in the pastry world.
The color, alas, is often the result of little tricks. The natural beige hue is helped with green pigment.
Ice cream
Pistachio ice cream is a beacon. A taste most of us relish and cherish. In purity or in combination with other tastes.
Coffee: reinforcing, energizing.
Chocolate: antidepressant.
Vanilla: aphrodisiac.
