From lattes to cocktails, fashion and even paint colors, pistachios are having a “moment de gloire”. Food industry leaders like Baum + Whiteman and Lyons Magnus recently predicted pistachios would be the top nut of 2023 in food trend research, and outlets like Forbes and Eat This, Not That! all covered the news. Beyond the taste and nutritional benefits of the nut, trends are extending into the color – and even smell – of pistachios, with the nutty aroma now being used in candles and perfumes.
Why Pistachios Are The Nut and Color Trend of 2023
Looking back at where the pistachio craze began, the pandemic forced consumers to reevaluate their “bien-être” – people were forced to consider not only what they ate and how it affected them, but also how it affected the planet. The result was a movement toward plant-based proteins, and as a source of complete protein, pistachios fit the bill. Further, the sustainability of pistachios stands out from other crops; pistachios are a permanent crop that spans generations of farmers and as a high desert plant, are relatively drought tolerant.
“Pistachios aren’t just the hottest snack, their surging popularity is because of research that shows their unique health benefits,” said Judy Hirigoyen, VP of Global Marketing for American Pistachio Growers trade association. “They’re a complete protein which is the quality of protein usually found in animal proteins. Further, thanks to a recently published study by Cornell University, we now know they’re also very high in antioxidants. In fact, they rival the level of antioxidant capacity you’d find in blueberries, pomegranates and red wine.”
American Pistachio Growers is the entity that is responsible for consumer education globally, something that’s been easy to do with myriad scientific studies that keep coming from around the world. “Shipments of American-grown pistachios to export markets continue to grow in double digits,” said Hirigoyen. “We know the educational efforts are working”, said Hirigoyen, citing an analysis of shipments from the U.S. to key export markets from 2016 through 2021.
American Pistachios and MCF Chefs are Best Friends in Cooking
We have put together a list of some of our favorite French Pistachio recipes and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Master Chef Gerald Hirigoyen‘s Poached Halibut with Pistachio Soup
Master Chef Roland Passot‘s Octopus with Gazpacho, Pistachios, and Chili
Master Chef Laurent Manrique’s Pistachio Crusted Scallops with Fennel and Peach Salad
About American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 865 members who are pistachio growers, processors and industry partners in California, Arizona and New Mexico. American-grown pistachios are sold under many quality brand names internationally, so look for country of origin on packaging. For more information, visit AmericanPistachios.org.
About The Maîtres Cuisiniers De France
The Association of Maîtres Cuisiniers de France employs nearly 10,000 qualified people and is also closely involved in the activities of the Regional Commissions for vocational diplomas and certificates granted by specialized schools.
It participates actively in action to promote products of “top quality”, such as the Red Labels and “Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée”, or European signs of quality, such as the IGP, AOP and STG.
The Association of Maîtres Cuisiniers de France promotes professional excellence through numerous national and international cooking competitions. Its members serve on juries for official competitions: “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, International Pierre Taittinger Prize, Prosper Montagné Culinary Prize, Curnonsky Prize, Bocuse d’Or, National Trophy for Cuisine and Pastry-making, etc. The association also organizes competitions for the Best Apprentice Chef in France and the Best Apprentice Chef in Europe.