Native to the Middle East, pistachios have a naturally tan shell
(those with red shells have been dyed) and a pale green nut thats
high in calcium. The green color is the result of chlorophyll that
develops as the seeds grow. When buying unshelled pistachios, avoid
those with fully closed shells, which indicates that the nutmeat is
immature. A popular snack eaten raw, pistachios also give crunch
and a nutty flavor to desserts like baklava.
