Are Pistachios Tree Nuts or Legumes? Are they something else? Clear all your confusion and get the answer in this article!

Pistachios have a delicious taste that adds a yummy twist to all desserts and dishes. Moreover, they come with numerous health benefits and contain essential nutrients that can benefit you in the long run. So, Are Pistachios Tree Nuts or Legumes? Time to find out the answer!

Ever wonder where do Pistachios come from? To find out, click here

What is the Pistachio Tree?

Pistacia Vera is the only tree in species of the Pistacia genus to produce edible drupe fruits.  The Pistachio tree is a small tree of the cashew family. It is slow-growing but lives a long life and starts to produce a good yield after 7 years and can take up to 15 years to fully develop.

During the spring season, the tree produces clusters of green fruits that resemble grapes, called drupes. This drupe fruit gradually becomes hard and turns red. The green and purple seed inside the fruit is Pistachio, the edible part of the fruit.

Are Pistachios Tree Nuts or Legumes?

Botanists define nuts as dry and hard fruits, that do not split to release the seed when matured. Examples of true nuts are chestnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns. However, many hard-shelled and oily seeds, that are edible, are also called ‘nuts’. Pistachio is also one amongst them. The seeds of the drupe fruits that are grown on Pistacia Vera are Pistachios!

Botanists do not consider pistachios to be true botanical nuts. However, in the culinary world, Pistachios along with walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are termed as nuts. But in reality, that is not the case.

They are also not legumes as their seeds are not attached to the walls of the shell.

Conclusion

Pistachios are popular as ‘nuts’ but botanically, they are not. People consider them nuts in the culinary world whereas, in reality, they are seeds of drupe fruits produced by the Pistachio Tree.