Nutritious 1st Grade Pistachio Pistachio Nuts / Pistachio with and without Shell

  Pistachio, Pistacia vera, is a deciduous tree in the family Anacardiaceae grown for its edible seeds (nuts). Pistachio is a small to medium sized tree with a branching main stem (trunk) and a spreading growth habit. The leaves of the pistachio are pinnate and composed of five individual oval leaflets.Several are referred to as pistachios, but the name is generally reserved for the edible nut of commerce. Its Latin name is Pistacia vera L. A member of the family Anacardiaceae, it is related to the cashew, mango, poison ivy and oak, pepper tree and sumac.It's uncertain where pistachio nut trees originated, but possibly in Central Asia. Growing pistachio trees commercially for nut export occurs primarily in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Italy and Syria where the arid climate is optimal for growth.

                             The ritual of cracking the nuts out of their cream-colored shells is almost as satisfying as the flavor itself, which is impressive, given the uniqueness of their rich, nutty, earthy taste. ... Pistachios come in at a much higher price point than nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts.Nutritionists warn that eating too many pistachios may lead to excess weight, which is not good for the heart. ... Anyone considering increasing their pistachio intake should take into account the nut's high fat and often high salt levels, which could cancel out any beneficial effects.1.5 ounces and 3 ounces - one to two handfuls per day of pistachios. You could very well eat more but these nuts have a fairly high caloric value – 400ish calories per 3 ounces. So just a bit for a snack is great... plus it's been shown that those who eat nuts feel fuller.

                               Pistachios are tiny, but pack a powerful nutritional punch. These small nuts contain protein, fiber and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Adding pistachios to your healthy eating plan might also benefit your heart.The researchers aren't sure, but they note that the low-fat diet was lower in polyunsaturated fats (which include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and higher in carbohydrates than the pistachio diets. Pistachios didn't affect levels of HDL cholesterol, which is often called "good" cholesterol.