Pistachio Spread Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to pistachio spread terminology. From understanding the difference between pistachio butter and pistachio cream to learning about Dubai chocolate, find all the definitions you need.
AED
CommerceThe currency code for United Arab Emirates Dirham, the official currency of the UAE. Pistasho products are priced in AED for the UAE market. As of 2024, 1 USD equals approximately 3.67 AED.
California Pistachios
IngredientsPistachios grown in California, USA, which produces the majority of American pistachios. The Kerman variety is most common. California pistachios are known for their consistent quality and are available year-round.
Chunky Texture
TextureA nut butter or spread that contains visible pieces of nuts for added texture. While less common in pistachio products, some brands offer chunky versions with pistachio pieces throughout.
Cross-Contamination
AllergensThe transfer of allergens from one food to another through shared equipment, surfaces, or processes. Food manufacturers disclose potential cross-contamination with 'may contain' warnings. Pistasho is produced in a facility that also processes wheat, peanuts, and other tree nuts.
Dubai Chocolate
RecipesA viral chocolate bar trend originating from Dubai, featuring a combination of milk chocolate, pistachio spread or cream, and kunafa (shredded phyllo pastry). The contrast of textures between smooth chocolate, creamy pistachio, and crunchy kunafa creates a unique dessert experience. Pistasho spread is perfect for making homemade Dubai chocolate.
Drizzle
TechniquesA thin stream of liquid or semi-liquid food poured over dishes for decoration and flavor. Pistachio spread can be gently heated to achieve a drizzle consistency, perfect for topping desserts, ice cream, and breakfast items.
Emulsifier
IngredientsAn ingredient that helps blend and stabilize mixtures that would normally separate, such as oil and water. In pistachio spreads, emulsifiers like soy lecithin help maintain a smooth, consistent texture and prevent oil separation.
Free Shipping Threshold
CommerceThe minimum order value required to qualify for free delivery. Pistasho offers free shipping across the UAE on orders over AED 40, making it easier for customers to enjoy premium pistachio spread without additional delivery costs.
Halal
CertificationsArabic term meaning 'permissible' under Islamic law. Halal certification ensures that food products meet Islamic dietary requirements, including the absence of pork products and alcohol, and that any animal ingredients come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic principles. Pistasho is Halal certified.
Iranian Pistachios
IngredientsPistachios grown in Iran, one of the world's largest pistachio producers. Iranian varieties include Kerman, Ahmad Aghaei, and Akbari. These pistachios are known for their size, flavor, and are widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Kunafa
IngredientsAlso spelled kanafeh or knafeh, kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) soaked in sweet syrup. The crunchy pastry threads are a key component in Dubai chocolate bars, providing textural contrast to the smooth chocolate and pistachio filling.
Kataifi
IngredientsThin strands of shredded phyllo dough used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. Kataifi is the pastry component used in kunafa and has become popular in Dubai chocolate bars for its crispy texture.
Nut Butter
ProductsA spreadable food paste made by grinding nuts into a smooth or chunky consistency. Common nut butters include peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and pistachio butter. Nut butters are valued for their protein content, healthy fats, and versatility in cooking.
Nut Spread
ProductsA broader category than nut butter, nut spreads include any spreadable product featuring nuts as a primary ingredient. Unlike pure nut butters, spreads often contain additional ingredients like sweeteners, oils, and flavorings for enhanced taste and texture.
Oil Separation
StorageA natural process where the oils in nut butters rise to the top during storage. This is more common in natural nut butters without emulsifiers. Simply stirring the product before use redistributes the oils. Some separation in pistachio products is normal.
Pistachio Spread
ProductsA smooth, creamy paste made primarily from roasted pistachios, typically sweetened and blended with additional ingredients for a spreadable consistency. Unlike pistachio butter, pistachio spread often contains sweeteners and emulsifiers for enhanced flavor and texture. Pistasho is a premium example of pistachio spread made in Dubai, UAE.
Pistachio Butter
ProductsA nut butter made from 100% ground pistachios with minimal or no additives. Similar to natural peanut butter, pistachio butter has a more rustic texture and pure pistachio flavor. It may separate over time and typically requires stirring before use.
Pistachio Cream
ProductsA rich, sweet pistachio-based spread often used in Italian pastries and desserts. Pistachio cream typically contains a higher proportion of sugar and may include dairy ingredients, making it ideal for filling pastries, cakes, and croissants.
Pistachio Paste
ProductsA concentrated pistachio product made from finely ground pistachios, used primarily in professional baking and confectionery. Pistachio paste has a thick consistency and intense flavor, often used to add pistachio flavor to ice cream, macarons, and other desserts.
Pistachio Oil
ProductsOil extracted from pistachio nuts, valued for its delicate flavor and vibrant green color. Pistachio oil is used in salad dressings, finishing dishes, and cosmetics. It has a high smoke point suitable for light cooking.
Roasted Pistachios
IngredientsPistachios that have been heated to enhance their flavor, color, and crunchiness. Roasting brings out the natural oils and develops a deeper, nuttier taste. Most pistachio spreads, including Pistasho, use roasted pistachios for optimal flavor.
Raw Pistachios
IngredientsUnroasted pistachio nuts that retain their natural, slightly sweet and mild flavor. Raw pistachios are greenish in color and have a softer texture than roasted varieties. Some health-conscious consumers prefer raw nut products.
Stone-Ground
ProductionA traditional method of grinding nuts using stone mills, which generates less heat than metal blades and helps preserve the natural oils and flavors of the nuts. Stone-ground nut butters are often considered higher quality due to this gentler processing method.
Shelf Life
StorageThe length of time a food product remains safe and maintains acceptable quality when stored properly. Pistasho pistachio spread has an 18-month shelf life when unopened. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-4 weeks for best quality.
Sicilian Pistachios
IngredientsPistachios grown in Sicily, Italy, particularly around Mount Etna. Known as 'Pistacchio di Bronte,' these pistachios are prized for their intense green color and distinctive sweet flavor. They are considered among the finest pistachios in the world.
Smooth Texture
TextureA creamy, homogeneous consistency in nut spreads achieved through fine grinding and the addition of oils or emulsifiers. Smooth pistachio spread, like Pistasho, is ideal for spreading on toast, drizzling, and baking applications.
Tree Nut Allergy
AllergensAn immune system reaction to proteins found in tree nuts including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and cashews. People with tree nut allergies should avoid pistachio products. Pistasho contains pistachios and may contain traces of other tree nuts.
