Pistachio oil is bright green colour and has a strong and distinctive flavour. Pistachio oil is high in Vitamin E, containing 19mg/100g. It contains 12.7% saturated fats, 53.8% monounsaturated fats, 32.7% linoleic acid, and 0.8% omega-3 fatty acid.
Health benefits of Pistachio Oil:
Pistachio Oil contains low level of saturated fat, high levels of monounsaturated fatty acid, a decent amount of linoleic fatty acid, and some omega-3 fatty acids. This balance makes for a very healthy oil that will help to protect your heart and fight against bad cholesterol.
How to use?
The pistachio oil, like the nuts, is best to me eaten simply, with a dip of good bread. That way you get a feel for its pistachio essence, and you start to form the kind of crush that is such a pleasure to have. Pistachio oil works best with freshly squeezed orange juice or a sweet vinegar like balsamic and a dash of honey to make a vinaigrette to dress a salad of endive or bitter greens, or roasted beets and tangy goat cheese. You can drizzle it on steamed green vegetables or dribble it on a tartare of scallops and grapefruit sections. Or add a little splash of pistachio to finish off pan-fried chicken or salmon. Or brush fresh apricots with pistachio oil, then toss them on the grill, and finish them off with a scoop of pistachio ice cream or a drizzle of honey and a few crushed pistachio nuts.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate pistachio oil into a dish is to use it as a marinade. Cooks can mix this oil with lemon juice and vinegar to made a marinade or dressing. Honey or other sweeteners can be added to create a sweet, yet savory taste. This dressing can be added to a salad, or used to flavor meat prior to cooking. Pistachio oil can also be used to complement the sweet taste of fruits, such as pears, apples, or apricots.