Raw Shelled Pistachio Kernels

Pistachios are delicious and packed with protein, fiber and vitamins. What a great treat! Great for baking, salads, or just exciting to snack on. These Raw Shelled Pistachios are wonderful and HUGE. Pistachios certainly take the cake, as they are the biggest and most delicious variety that we have seen in years. Studies suggest they are actually good for weight loss, by promoting satiability and the recent finding that their fat content isn’t being entirely absorbed in the digestive tract. The health benefits of pistachios also include vitamins and minerals, high fiber, and are protein packed with the BCAAs that bodybuilders want. High cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension are just a few of the medical conditions they’re being researched for.

Pistachios Come From

When you think of exports from Iran, most people think of oil. However pistachios are the country’s 2nd largest export, with over 400,000 tons being produced per year. After Iran, the top producers are the U.S. (233,000 metric tonnes), then Turkey and China, both of which grow around 80,000 tonnes. (1)

Due to trade embargoes with Iran, here in America you’re most likely eating a crop that comes from California. There are New Mexico pistachios – the brand Heart of the Desert from Eagle Ranch – but they’re not even among the top 25 farms in America. Even fewer come from Arizona. If you want the taste of the Iranian – which are a favorite for many – then try Turkish pistachios (called antep). They are smaller and harder to open but offer a distinctly sweet flavor.