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Science & Nature • Botany

Pistachio

A pistachio is the edible seed of the pistachio tree, *Pistacia vera*, a member of the cashew family.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A pistachio is the edible seed of the pistachio tree, *Pistacia vera*, a member of the cashew family. In everyday use it is called a nut, but botanically it is the seed of a drupe rather than a true nut. Pistachios are eaten as snacks and used in cooking and baking.

Botany

The pistachio tree is *Pistacia vera*, a small to medium-sized tree in the cashew family. Its fruit is a drupe containing an elongated edible seed, which is what people eat.

Nutrition

Pistachios are energy-dense and, per 100 grams, provide 562 kcal. They are also notable for protein, dietary fibre, and several micronutrients, including thiamin and vitamin B6.

Cultivation and origin

The species is native to Iran and Central Asia and has long been cultivated in arid regions. Modern commercial production is concentrated in a few countries, especially the United States, Iran, and Turkey.

Culinary use

Pistachios are eaten roasted or salted, and they are also used in desserts, chocolate, ice cream, confections, and pistachio paste or butter.

Key facts

  • Pistachio usually refers both to the tree *Pistacia vera* and to its edible seed.
  • Botanically, the pistachio is not a true nut; it is the seed of a drupe.
  • A 100-gram serving provides 562 kcal.
  • Pistachios are a source of protein, fibre, several minerals, thiamin, and vitamin B6.
  • The tree is native to Iran and Central Asia.
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Canadian context

Pistachios are widely sold and used in Canada as snack foods and baking ingredients, and they are relevant to Canadian food labelling and allergen awareness because tree nuts are a priority allergen.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pistachio?
A pistachio is the edible seed of the pistachio tree, *Pistacia vera*. It is commonly eaten as a snack and used in cooking.
Are pistachios nuts or seeds?
Botanically, pistachios are seeds inside a drupe, not true nuts. In culinary use, they are commonly called nuts.
How many calories in pistachios?
Raw pistachios provide about 562 calories per 100 grams.
What are the health benefits of pistachios?
Pistachios are a source of protein, fibre, potassium, vitamin K, thiamin, vitamin B6, and other micronutrients. Relative to many other tree nuts, they are lower in fat and food energy.
Where do pistachios come from?
The pistachio tree is native to Iran and Central Asia. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now grown commercially in several regions.
Why are pistachios expensive?
Their price is influenced by limited suitable growing regions, long tree maturation, irrigation and labour costs, and strong global demand. Those factors are consistent with the crop’s concentrated production and cultivation requirements.

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio
    Supports: Definition of pistachio as the tree *Pistacia vera* and its edible seed.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistachio
    Supports: Botanical classification, nutrition facts, origin, and production figures cited in the article.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/pistachio
    Supports: Common English meaning of pistachio as an edible nut/seed.
  4. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pistachio
    Supports: Explanation that pistachio is botanically a seed of a drupe, not a true nut.
  5. Wikipédia — https://www.fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistacia_vera
    Supports: Origin and long history of cultivation in Iran and the Middle East.