| Pantry | Fridge | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 1-2 Months | 1-2 Months | 6 Months |
Shelf Life of Food Item
Shelled and unshelled pistachios exhibit different shelf lives. It is essential to store pistachios in the airtight containers so that you can enjoy them for a longer period of time. In most circumstances, pistachios will last for three months if in the pantry. Pistachios belong to a family of nuts that expire very rapidly. Pistachios should be kept in an airtight container to extend their life as much as possible. They can be kept in the refrigerator for six months to a year.
Purchasing Food Items
Pistachios are edible, both shelled and unshelled, and what you choose to eat is based solely on preference. Always select pistachios with ivory colored shells that look blemish free when choosing a shelled nut.
Do not buy pistachios with damaged or cracked shells. But remember, this does include its natural opening. For unshelled pistachios, nut meal should be of dark green or yellowish color. Green colored nut meat has the best taste. Various forms of shelled and unshelled pistachio available on the market including roasted, raw, salted, and unsalted. Avoid choosing pistachios that have been dyed a red or green color.
Storing Food Items
Most of the time, the expiration date mentioned on the pistachio package is 2 years, but its shelf life is reduced or compromised upon opening it. Because of this, correct storage is essential. For the proper storage of pistachios, it is of extreme importance to place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in resealable bags, or in pantry store for a few days. But, if you want to store pistachios for a longer period of time, then place them in a glass airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. Unshelled nuts can be stored in the freezer for a longer period of time than unshelled nuts. Proper storing methods are necessary in order to preserve the food item.
How to Handle Food Items
Pistachio can lose their crunchy texture if they are mishandled. In order to restore their original texture, pistachios can be toasted at 200°F, for 10 to 15 minutes, in the oven. This will bring pistachios back to the desired state. A nut roaster can also be used to make them crispy again. Do not heat for a longer period of time, as it will destroy the nutrients in the pistachio. There are no strict handling guidelines with the pistachio. However, they do absorb humidity and become moist. Because of this proper storage is essential.
Cooking Food Items
Pistachios are widely used in the various cooking cuisines. They are preferred when cooking sweet dishes and making various confectioneries. Besides these items, they are also used in various ice creams and bakery products. Because of its distinctive taste, pistachio is used in making pistachio butter, and mouthwatering and appetizing nutty snacks. Make your dishes and recipes ever yummier by giving them a perfect flavor of pistachio. You would be amazed to find that besides sweet dishes and ice-creams, pistachios are wonderful too when added to a number of dishes.