Spiced pistachios, the perfect protein snack for your summer
Under the beach umbrella, at work, or at school, mid-morning or afternoon snacks are essential to a healthy diet, providing us with the energy to face the day and preventing us from sinking into dreaded hunger pangs. What should we eat? A fruit for its precious vitamins, or yogurt for a protein boost?
A daily serving of about 30 grams contains a full 49 pistachios and only about 165 calories, with 7 grams of beneficial protein and a high fiber content that keeps you fuller longer and thus helps you resist the temptation to snack. California pistachios boast a very high nutrient density and are also a source of "good" fats, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall well-being. Plus, 50 pistachios are a real treat, both visually and palatably, making snacking a truly pleasurable experience.
In Italy, pistachios are a popular appetizer snack, but they can also be enjoyed at other times of the day, customizing each time with a simple yet flavorful twist. American Pistachio Growers, the association representing American pistachio growers, recommends seasoning pistachios with fresh herbs and spices for this hot summer. These refreshing and antiseptic properties are ideal for enhancing the beneficial properties of this nut.
Mint, for example, is a plant with digestive, antiseptic, and refreshing properties that help combat nausea, making it a perfect pairing with Californian pistachios. Especially beneficial for women, marjoram is a spice with digestive and antispasmodic properties, useful for combating menstrual cramps. To aid digestion, however, there's another refreshing alternative: thyme, a carminative and antiseptic, combating urinary tract and respiratory infections. To prepare them, mix the unshelled pistachios with the chopped aromatic herbs, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let them dry in the oven for an hour at 100°C.
Pistachios also pair well with ground spices like curry, sweet or smoked paprika, cardamom, or a pinch of pink pepper. Simply add a few pinches of spices to a bag and shake vigorously to combine. Enjoy!