Buzz
Pistachios are not just a simple snack; they're a versatile ingredient that elevates various dishes, from savory herb-crusted lamb to creamy ice cream. However, opening pistachios can be tricky, especially when they're still in their shells. Avoid damaging your teeth or nails by using alternative tools like a pocket knife, a coin, or even a garlic press to crack them open.
Steps to Success
Effortless Opening of Pre-Cracked Pistachios
If there's a significant gap, simply use your thumb to crack open the shell. Most store-bought pistachios are already ripe and ready to enjoy. Check for a visible green nut meat between the shell halves; if present, use your thumb to separate them. This should require minimal effort and yield a delicious pistachio for immediate consumption.
- When shelling pistachios, it's convenient to have two bowls—one for the discarded shells and another for the nuts—to keep them organized.
Keep your fingers clean by using a coin to twist between the shell halves. Always ensure the coin is clean (disinfect it if unsure) to avoid introducing bacteria to the pistachio. Insert the coin between the shells and twist to free the nut.
- To clean your coin, wash it with warm, soapy water and scrub with a soft brush to remove dirt.
Open a slightly closed pistachio using another shell. If you encounter a pistachio with a narrow opening, take a discarded shell and insert the pointed end into the crack. Twist and push forward to leverage the two halves apart.
Caution: Exercise care when inserting the shell; its tip is sharp and could cause injury if it slips.
Handling Unopened Pistachios
Crack the shell gently using a jar or can. Place a towel over the nut to prevent it from rolling away. Tap the nut lightly with the flat side of a jar or can until you hear or feel it crack. Avoid over-hitting to prevent crushing the nut.
- Outdoors, you can use a rock or similar object to crack pistachios.
Crack multiple nuts simultaneously using a cutting board and rolling pin. Arrange a single layer of pistachios on a cutting board, cover them with a clean dishtowel, and strike them with a rolling pin. Repeat this process across the board, removing cracked nuts and replacing the towel until all nuts are cracked.
Pro Tip: Secure the dishtowel ends under the cutting board to prevent pistachios from falling off.
Utilize a nutcracker or garlic press for opening sealed shells. This method safeguards your surfaces from potential damage caused by shell impact. Simply squeeze the pistachio shell until it cracks, then extract the nut.
- If using a garlic press, ensure it's clean to avoid imparting garlic flavor to your nuts.
Speed up shelling with a pistachio opener for large batches. Recipes often require numerous pistachios, and shelling them individually can be time-consuming. A pistachio opener reduces shelling time, expediting your baking process.
- Pistachio openers typically range from $10 to $30, available online or at local home goods stores.
Preserving Shelled Pistachios
- Avoid using containers previously holding strongly scented items like onions or garlic, as residual odors may affect the pistachios.
Pro Tip: Keep pistachios dry to prevent mold growth, which can spoil them.
Maintain pistachios at room temperature for 2 to 3 months. Store them in a cupboard, on a counter, or atop the fridge in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight.
- If unusual odors or discoloration occur upon opening, discard the nuts as they may be spoiling.
Extend pistachio shelf life by refrigerating for up to 1 year. Store them in an airtight container in a cool place, such as the fridge or cellar, and label with the date of storage.
- Regularly check for signs of spoilage, like strange smells or discoloration.
Safely freeze pistachios for up to 3 years. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they remain frozen until use. Defrost by leaving them on the counter for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Position the nuts near the front of the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
Additional Sources
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/fun-facts-pistachios
- ↑ https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pistachio.html
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-open-a-pistachio/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-open-a-pistachio/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-open-a-pistachio/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-open-a-pistachio/
- ↑ https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pistachio.html
- ↑ https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pistachio.html
- ↑ http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/44384.pdf
Helpful Tips
-
Pistachios are an excellent snack—savor approximately 30 pistachios for just 100 calories.
-
If cracking pistachios isn't your thing, opt for pre-shelled ones. This is ideal when you require numerous pistachios for a recipe but prefer to skip the shelling process.
Essentials
Cracking Open Pre-Shelled Pistachios
- Clean coin
- Pocket knife
Handling Unopened Pistachios
- Jar or can
- Clean dishcloth
- Cutting board
- Heavy object, such as a meat cleaver or rolling pin
- Nutcracker or garlic press
- Pistachio opener
Preserving Opened Pistachios
- Airtight containers for storage
