Pistachios are a type of nut which grow on pistachio trees. The shell of the pistachio is mottled beige and the meat inside is green.

The pistachio tree, Pistacia vera, is native to Iran and Turkey. It is a hardy tree which thrives in the poor soil of arid and semi-arid climates. Left to its own devices, Pistacia vera can grow upwards of 6m (20ft) and can survive until the climate becomes humid.

Pistachios grow in clusters, like grapes, and when they ripen the shells split open at one end. One theory holds that, if you stand with your lover under a pistachio tree in the moonlight and listen to the ripening nuts crack open, then you will have good luck. Another theory holds that, if you are in a position to be standing with your lover under a pistachio tree in the moonlight listening to the ripening nuts crack open, then you already have good luck.

Pistachios are harvested by being knocked from the tree onto tarpaulins and gathered up. The shells are then often dyed, as the natural colour looks dirty to some people. The shells are either bleached until they are almost white, or they are dyed bright red. White pistachios and red pistachios are, however, the same type of nut.

Most pistachios in the world today are grown in Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and California, USA, where the trees were introduced by a Frenchman in the late 19th Century. Most pistachios in the world today are consumed in the USA.

Enjoying Pistachios

• Buy a bag or tin of pistachios, red or white, salted or unsalted. If you can, choose pistachios that are still in the shell, or you will be deprived of a major part of the pleasure of eating them. Select a nut whose shell is split open at one end (most of them should be). Remove and discard the shell. Pop the meat of the nut into your mouth. Chew and savour.

  or...

• Buy a tub of pistachio ice cream. Indulge.