National Pistachio Day

Pistachios are a great on-the-go snack (or even a stay-at-home snack!) You can add them to so many different recipes as well.

Take a look at this appetizer from The California Pistachio Commission:

Brie and Pistachios
8 ounces softened Brie (Camembert cheese can also be used)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped, roasted/salted California pistachios
1 loaf French bread baguette, sliced

1. Generously spread softened Brie cheese on wedge-shaped slices of French bread baguette.
2. Top with chopped California pistachios for an elegant, yet simple appetizer or snack.

You knew I would add this. Try to find a yummy multi-grain bread and eat these in moderation. That's what makes these a a great appetizer. Make them, take them to a party and that way you only enjoy one or two!

 

(From American Pistachio Growers) A one-ounce serving of pistachios (about 49 nuts) contains a host of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients bodies need to function and stay healthy. And all for about 160 calories. One ounce of pistachios provide:

• More dietary fiber (3 grams) than 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli
• Six grams of protein – the same amount as 1 ounce of soybeans
• Good’ fat—7 grams of monounsaturated and 4 grams of polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart healthy
• Less than 2 grams of saturated fat
• Phytosterols, which may decrease the risk of heart disease
• As much potassium as 1/2 of a large banana
• Vitamin B6
• Copper
• Thiamin
• Phosphorous
• Manganese
• No cholesterol
• No trans fat

Pistachios also have more antioxidant power per 100 grams than blueberries, blackberries, garlic, and pomegranate juice.

Lutein, an antioxidant found in green and yellow vegetables, is also found in pistachios. This antioxidant has been widely studied and shown to support eye health. Pistachios have more lutein in them than any other nut


Action Item: Eat pistachios as your snack today and celebrate... It's National Pistachio Day!

For Further Reading: Cooking with Pistachios (TONS of recipes here)