Pistachio slice: what is it?

We’ve always heard the word “slice” for pizza or cake. You probably would think of something delicious that is bigger than pistachio. So what is sliced pistachio? A Pistachio slice or sliced pistachio is obtained by separating the pistachio shell and cutting the kernel into small pieces.

I believe sliced pistachios come from creative minds to use this nutritious yummy nut in different forms. For decorating purposes add details in desserts or cakes, etc.

What kinds of the kernel are usually sliced? The answer is all kinds. Normal kernels, Kaal kernels, and green kernels. Each kind may be used in different dishes, but it is totally up to you which kind fits your goal the best.

Sliced green kernels are more popular in the pistachio markets. Using a wide range of color spectrum of green kernels, from yellowish light green to dark green, can make your cuisines and desserts more savory, colorful, and beautiful.

Quality pistachio slices: where and how to find that?

The quality of pistachio slices has a direct connection with the quality of the kernels. In other words the higher the kernel quality, the higher the quality of sliced pistachios.

Among pistachio-producing countries, Iranian green kernels have the highest quality. Why is that? The reason is the most favorable cultivating conditions in Iran. Such as Annual rainfall, fertile soil, and enough full sunlight in spring and summer. These growing conditions make Iranian raw pistachio kernels have a softer texture and richer nutty taste.

The common features of high-quality pistachio slices are:

• The intensity of the green color of the kernel
• Uniformity of appearance
• Fat content
• Lack of crushed and small pieces

Due to the high demand for the green color in sliced pistachios, providing them in various forms with the highest quality can be a wise consideration to grab customer attention and trust. To reach this goal, picking the proper kernel is the main key. This is one of the main factors that enable you to compete in this field. So, for having the best-sliced pistachios, you have to refer to the quality of the kernels they are obtained from.

How to prepare pistachio slices?

Sometimes purchasing sliced pistachio from the store is not your first choice and you prefer homemade ones. 

Or even if they are not easy to find in your local stores. We recommend you make them at home. At first, we suggest you specify where and how you want to use them.

Now, are you ready to make your homemade pistachio slices? Here are the steps:

• The first thing you do is soak the pistachio kernels in hot water for about 10 hours or boil them for about 1 minute.
• Then drain the hot water and put kernels in cold water.
• After that peel off the outer skin of it. Or strip the skin of the nuts.
• Find the line that runs through the middle of the kernel and Split the nuts in half.
• The last thing you do is to get a sharp knife (to cut them firmly) and cut the nut halves into tiny slices.
• At the end put the slices in a dry place away from sunlight into a clean diaper or napkin.

It’s just that simple. Now you have your homemade sliced pistachio. Enjoy!

What are the uses of pistachio slices?

As you probably know, many nuts are used in the food industry for different recipes. I have always found it interesting that a single nut can add a unique taste to both pastries and foods. Generally, Pistachios are in our daily diet Because of the nutrients, their popular taste, and their various usage. But what makes pistachio so special besides its good taste? Pistachio has a peerless color and texture. Not only you can make savory and tasty dishes with it, but you can also create beautiful garnishes. 

Pistachio slices of all shapes and types can be used in desserts, foods, salads, sweets, cakes, ice creams, etc. For example, Sohan (Persian brittle) and Gaz are very famous in the Iranian sweets category. Also, in Traditional Iranian cuisines like Gheymeh Homayooni, Shirin Polo, Albaloo Polo, Morasa Polo (Jeweled Rice or Javaher Polo), and Gheymeh Nesar, silvered sliced pistachios are used to make a better look and taste.

Varieties of pistachio slices

Sliced pistachio kernels can have different types and shapes depending on their application. We have brought them in the list below:

• Chopped slices: are cutting pieces with repeated blows of a knife. Chopped slices can be used for ice cream topping or desserts…
• Silvered slices: are cutting pieces into long and thin strips. Silvered slices are orderly good shaped (for good appearance) for classic Iranian food like Shirin polo or Gheymeh Nesar.
• Splits slices: are cut in half.
• Flaked slices: are sliced into small flakes. 

Using pistachio slices to make cake and ice cream

On a hot summer day, what would it feel like to see a cold saffron ice cream with sliced pistachios on it? Could you picture it? My point is that pistachio slices can go well with various flavors. Have you ever tried sliced pistachios with Nutella, chocolate, cacao, Oreos, saffron, cardamom, clove, citrus, and … other flavors?

There is a high demand for pistachio slices in the confectionery. You can benefit from their beautiful hue, texture, and most importantly their delicious flavor. Alongside all these features, the properties of pistachio itself add nutritional value to your dish.

So imagine you add pistachio slices with these features to your delicious cake or ice cream! Isn’t it wonderful?

Iranian pistachio slices; meet the international export standards

Pistachio can be contaminated by different pests and fungi. Aflatoxin is the main pistachio contamination, and it can occur on the farm, during the harvest or post-harvest process (late harvesting).  

To protect human health, Aflatoxin doses must be at the minimum level in pistachio nuts. Considering Aflatoxin has severe effects on the human body, international standards have been established to measure it. The most popular safety certifications for pistachio nuts are; 

• International Featured Standards (IFS)
• British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS)
• Food Safety Certification (FSSC22000)

Pistachio slice standards certify by the pistachio approval itself. In all pistachio importing countries, including Europe, strict limitations have been set on exporting nuts to prevent consuming Aflatoxin contaminated pistachios. For sure to compete in the pistachio market, especially on the exporting level, food safety guarantees must have proceeded first. 

Iranian pistachio suppliers are now stricter and more aware of food safety guarantees and their importance. This will lead to maintaining in this competitive market and gaining customer loyalty.

To wrap-up!

Sliced pistachios are one of the most practical pistachio products. They are obtained by slicing all kinds of pistachio kernels, mostly the green peeled ones. The two important factors that can guarantee the quality of your sliced pistachio product are;

• Using the best quality pistachio kernels.
• International food certification to meet international exports standards 

Pistachio slices are mostly used in confectionery. Due to their savory taste, texture, and variety in appearance, sliced pistachios are well known as nutritious nuts that can be used in diverse dishes and cuisines. The good news is, you can easily prepare the homemade ones.

A bold feature of sliced pistachio is that it can satisfy various tastes. So eventually it can interest you anyway. By now, has a thought crossed your mind to try delicious food, with lots of sliced pistachios in it? Or yummy garnished ice cream, with chopped pistachio slices? It’s a body reflex alert, when it comes to delicious tastes, there’s no resistance! So try them now!