If youve ever bought a bag of pistachios, youve probably noticed that not all of them crack open the same way. Usually, some have a wide-open split that makes them easy to shell, some have a narrow crack that requires extra effort, and some are sealed completely shut. This variance is determined by nature, not the company that packaged your nuts. Only about 70-90% of pistachios crack open as they grow; youll have to split the rest on your own.
When faced with a completely closed pistachio shell, there are a few things you can do, and two things you should definitely avoid. First, dont give up. Second, dont use your teeth. (No matter how tempting the pistachio may be, its not worth a broken tooth.) Your easiest option is to use a sturdy kitchen tool you already own — such as a cast iron pan — to shatter the shell. Simply wrap your closed pistachio in a towel, then gently pound on the nut until it cracks open.
They aren’t meant to do that, they’re meant to protect the soft meat of the pistachio nut which is why they are hard. So no, it’s not okay to eat those.
Spread a napkin or paper towel out on a counter or table, or place a large plate in front of you.
Put the closed pistachio shell in the nutcracker, turning the shell so that the arms of the nutcracker rest along the ridge where the shell would normally open. Start with the arms of the nutcracker at about the midpoint of the side of the shell.
Pistachios pop open as they mature. The shell usually splits along a ridge, making opening the shell very simple. Sometimes you find shells that have split open only a little or worse, not at all. This generally means the nut wasnt mature when it was harvested, but that might not stop you from trying to eat the nut anyway if youre hungry enough. Try opening the shell with a nutcracker.
The pistachio shell might not pop open neatly. It is possible that the shell will splinter into smaller pieces. If you can’t get the entire shell off, dig the nutmeat out with a nut pick, which is a metal pick that often comes with nutcrackers, or use a skewer to dig inside the shell. Keep in mind that the nutmeat probably won’t be of the best quality because it hasn’t matured sufficiently.
If you have trouble cracking the nut open, reposition the nut to see whether that makes it easier for the pressure from the nutcracker to force the nut open.
Tips and tools for shelling pistachios
You can purchase a tool specifically designed for shelling pistachios online or at stores that sell specialty culinary equipment, but the reality is you likely wont use this tool often enough to justify owning one. Keep things simple and use what you already have on hand, such as a cast iron pan, rolling pin, or meat tenderizer. When in doubt, opt for a heavy tool capable of cracking those pesky pistachio shells without getting damaged. For example, you wouldnt want to use glass food storage containers for this task — while theyre sturdy, they run the risk of shattering.
To begin, lay a kitchen towel on your counter and wrap the pistachios inside it. Use your chosen heavy tool to gently pound the shells, aiming to break the exterior without completely crushing the nut inside. After youve cracked the shells, make sure to carefully separate any broken pieces from the nuts to ensure safe snacking.
You’ve Been Opening Pistachios Wrong Your Entire Life
FAQ
Do unopened pistachios go bad?
What can I do with closed pistachios?
Why are some pistachios closed?
What are unopened pistachios called?
Can you eat pistachios daily?
Most people can enjoy pistachios daily. A serving size is 1 ounce. Like most foods, pistachios should be eaten in moderation. A daily serving would be a healthy addition to many people’s diets. However, when eaten in excess, pistachios, like other nuts, may upset your stomach. Who Shouldn’t Eat Pistachios?
Can you eat pistachios on keto?
Pistachios can be eaten in small amounts in a ketogenic diet despite being one of the more carbohydrate heavy nuts. Pistachios contain about 5 grams of net carbohydrates per ounce(about 48 pistachios). Pistachios are also lower in fat compared to other nuts, clocking in at about 13 grams of fat per ounce. For these reasons, macadamia nuts are a common substitute for pistachios. They contain about 1 gram of net carbohydrate and 21 grams of healthy fats per ounce(about 11 macadamia nuts). Pistachios, in comparison, would be a more filling, lower calorie snack for individuals following a keto diet.
Can you eat a pistachio nut?
Eat the nut. Once you’ve removed the shell, the pistachio is ready to consume. You can eat the pistachio raw, or you can add it to a larger dish. The pistachio nut is relatively soft and oblong. The color should be some combination of green, brown, and purple. Do not worry if the nut skin appears blotchy and mottled – this is normal!.
Can you eat pistachios in a shell?
Studies have shown that eating pistachios in the shell slows down the eating process and lowers overall consumption. Pistachio nuts contain three to four calories each—fewer than almost any another nut—but it can be easy to eat a lot of them when they come pre-shelled. Consider keeping pistachios a “slow” snack by de-shelling them yourself.