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Pistachio Nuts

Pistachia or Pistachio nuts are the fruit of the Pistachia vera, a kind of turpentine tree. It grows naturally in Arabia, Persia, and Syria; also in Sicily, whence the nuts are annually brought to us. They are oblong and pointed, about the size and shape of a filbert, including a kernel of a pale yellowish colour, covered with a yellowish or reddish skin. They have a pleasant, sweet, unctuous taste, resembling that of sweet almonds; their principal difference from which consists in their having a greater degree of sweetness, accompanied with a light, grateful flavour; and in being more oily. Pistachios imported from the East are superior to those raised in Europe. Pistachio nuts have a tendency to become rancid. They are used on the Continent, in districts where they are plentiful, in the manufacture of ragouts and various other dishes. When used in cookery they should be blanched and peeled like almonds. They are useful for garnishing.