Pistachio Research Articles

Effect of Immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 Cells on Pistachio Nuts on the Functional Regulation of the Novel Katiki Domokou-Type Cheese Microbiome

Nowadays, functional foods supplemented with health-promoting microorganisms have attracted consumer attention due to their health benefits. However, maintaining high cell loads, which consist of an essential requirement for conferring the health effect, is a real bottleneck for the food industry due to viability declines during food processing and storage. Hence, freeze-drying and cell immobilization have been suggested to enhance cell viability. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of freeze-dried immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 on pistachio nuts on the functional regulation of the Katiki Domokou-type cheese microbiome. Supplementation of Katiki Domokou-type cheese with free or immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 culture resulted in cell loads > 8.5 logcfu/g up to 7 days of storage. Both free and immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 cells suppressed the growth of L. monocytogenes after deliberate inoculation, acting as a protecting shield. HS-SPME GC/MS analysis showed that the incorporation of P. acidilactici ORE5 culture in cheese resulted in an improved volatile compounds profile, as verified by the preliminary sensory evaluation. According to Next-Generation Sequencing analysis, a wide range of bacterial diversity was revealed among samples. The most abundant genus was Lactococcus in all samples, while the results showed an increased presence of Pediococcus spp. in cheese fortified with P. acidilactici ORE5 culture, highlighting the ability of the strain to survive in the final product. Furthermore, the incorporation of P. acidilactici ORE5 culture in cheese had a significant impact on cheese microbiome composition, as the presence of spoilage bacteria, such as Chryseobacterium, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, was significantly less compared to the control cheese, indicating quality improvement and prolongation of the product’s shelf-life.

Complete Genome Sequencing of Three Clade-1 Xanthomonads Reveals Genetic Determinants for a Lateral Flagellin and the Biosynthesis of Coronatine-Like Molecules in Xanthomonas.

Evolutionarily, early-branching xanthomonads, also referred to as clade-1 xanthomonads, include major plant pathogens, most of which colonize monocotyledonous plants. Seven species have been validly described, among them the two sugarcane pathogens Xanthomonas albilineans and Xanthomonas sacchari, as well as Xanthomonas translucens, which infects small-grain cereals and diverse grasses but also asparagus and pistachio trees. Single-gene sequencing and genomic approaches have indicated that this clade likely contains more, yet-undescribed species. In this study, we sequenced representative strains of three novel species using long-read sequencing technology. Xanthomonas campestris pv. phormiicola strain CFBP 8444 causes bacterial streak on New Zealand flax, another monocotyledonous plant. Xanthomonas sp. strain CFBP 8443 has been isolated from common bean, and Xanthomonas sp. strain CFBP 8445 originated from banana. Complete assemblies of the chromosomes confirmed their unique phylogenetic position within clade1 of Xanthomonas. Genome mining revealed novel genetic features, hitherto undescribed in other members of the Xanthomonas genus. In strain CFBP 8444, we identified genes related to the synthesis of coronatine-like compounds, a phytotoxin produced by several pseudomonads, which raises interesting questions about the evolution and pathogenicity of this pathogen. Furthermore, strain CFBP 8444 was found to contain a second, atypical flagellar gene cluster in addition to the canonical flagellar gene cluster. Overall, this research represents an important step toward better understanding the evolutionary history and biology of early-branching xanthomonads.

Remote Sensing for Sustainable Pistachio Cultivation and Improved Quality Traits Evaluation through Thermal and Non-Thermal UAV Vegetation Indices

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) has earned recognition as a significant crop due to its unique nutrient composition and its adaptability to the growing threat of climate change. Consequently, the utilization of remote sensing techniques for non-invasive pistachio monitoring has become critically important. This research was conducted in two pistachio orchards located in Spain, aiming to assess the effectiveness of vegetation indices (VIs) in estimating nut yield and quality under various irrigation conditions. To this end, high-resolution multispectral and thermal imagery were gathered using a Micasense ALTUM sensor carried by a DJI Inspire 2 drone in order to calculate the NDRE (normalized difference red edge index), GNDVI (green normalized difference vegetation index), NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), and CWSI (crop water stress index). Each orchard underwent two flights at distinct growth stages, totaling four flights. In June, NDRE-carbohydrates (r = 0.78) and CWSI-oleic (r = 0.77) showed the highest correlations, while in September, CWSI-carbohydrates (r = 0.62) and NDVI-iron (r = 0.54) Despite NDVI’s limitations due to saturation effects, all VIs had significant yield and quality correlations, with GNDVI proving most effective in both flights. CWSI correlated considerably on both dates in terms of several quality parameters (carbohydrate percentage, magnesium, iron, and fatty acids, namely palmitoyl, stearic, oleic, and linoleic), surpassing non-thermal indices. Finally, it is important to consider the impact of environmental factors, such as the location of the sun, when interpreting the CWSI, as it modifies the temperature distribution pattern within the canopy. This study supports the viability of remote sensing and vegetation indices as potential tools for enhancing the management of pistachio orchards.

Pistacia vera Extract Potentiates the Effect of Melatonin on Human Melatonin MT1 and MT2 Receptors with Functional Selectivity.

Melatonin is a tryptophan derivative synthesized in plants and animals. In humans, melatonin acts on melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Synthetic melatonin receptor agonists are prescribed for insomnia and depressive and circadian-related disorders. Here, we tested 25 commercial plant extracts, reported to have beneficial properties in sleep disorders and anxiety, using cellular assays (2─[125I]iodomelatonin binding, cAMP inhibition, ERK1/2 activation and β-arrestin2 recruitment) in mock-transfected and HEK293 cells expressing MT1 or MT2. Various melatonin receptor-dependent and -independent effects were observed. Extract 18 (Ex18) from Pistacia vera dried fruits stood out with very potent effects in melatonin receptor expressing cells. The high content of endogenous melatonin in Ex18 (5.28 ± 0.46 mg/g extract) is consistent with this observation. Ex18 contains an additional active principle that potentiates the effect of melatonin on Gi protein-dependent pathways but not on β-arrestin2 recruitment. Further active principles potentiating exogenous melatonin were detected in several extracts. In conclusion, we identified plant extracts with various effects in GPCR-based binding and signalling assays and identified high melatonin levels and a melatonin-potentiating activity in Pistacia vera dried fruit extracts that might be of therapeutic potential.

Exogenous calcium improves growth and physiological responses of pistachio rootstocks against excess boron under salinity

Although boron (B) is necessary for plant growth and development, excessive concentrations of it can be harmful. Toxicity due to boron can occur naturally in the soils of arid and semiarid areas. Soluble forms of Ca were applied as foliar sprays at 1.1 and 2.2 g L−1 on three pistachio rootstocks, namely Pistacia vera L. ‘Ghazvini’, P. vera L. ‘Badami-Riz’ and P. atlantica subsp. Atlantica. Effects of the foliar sprays were assessed on growth and physiological responses of the three rootstocks while an excess of B was added to the irrigation water under saline soil (ECe ≅12 dS/m). Four-month plants were irrigated with water containing B as boric acid (20 and 40 mg L−1). Calcium treatments occurred either as aminochelate or chloride, and were sprayed on the foliage once a week. The experiment lasted for 12 wk and terminated when 50% of the plants showed symptoms of B toxicity. Excess B retarded growth and affected physiological parameters including plant height, leaf number, leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem diameter, shoot dry weight, root length, root dry weight, leaf proline content, SPAD value and RWC. Boron concentrations increased in the plant tissues, due to the boric acid in the irrigation water, while foliar sprays of calcium reduced B content in the leaves, stems and roots. Applications of Ca-Chelate and CaCl2 (2.2 g L−1 each) significantly improved growth and physiological responses of all rootstocks. The Ca-Chelate was more effective than CaCl2 in ameliorating B toxicity. In terms of rootstock tolerance to B toxicity, ‘Ghazvini’ and ‘Atlantica’ were more tolerant than ‘Badami’. The results indicate that foliar sprays of Ca are effective in mitigating excess boron symptoms in pistachio rootstocks grown under saline conditions.

Identification of Polyphenolic Compounds Responsible for Antioxidant, Anti-Candida Activities and Nutritional Properties in Different Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Hull Cultivars.

The use of by-products from the agri-food industry is a promising approach for production of value-added, polyphenol-rich dietary supplements or natural pharmaceutical preparations. During pistachio nut processing, a great amount of husk is removed, leaving large biomass for potential re-use. The present study compares antiglycative, antioxidant, and antifungal activities as well as nutritional values of 12 genotypes belonging to four pistachio cultivars. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and ABTS assays. Antiglycative activity was evaluated as inhibition of advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation in the bovine serum albumin/methylglyoxal model. HPLC analysis was performed to determine the major phenolic compounds. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (120.81-181.94 mg/100 g DW), gallic acid (27.89-45.25), catechin (7.2-11.01), and eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside (7.23-16.02) were the major components. Among genotypes, the highest total flavonol content (14.8 mg quercetin equivalents/g DW) and total phenolic content (262 mg tannic acid equivalent/g DW) were in KAL1 (Kaleghouchi) and FAN2 (Fandoghi), respectively. The highest antioxidant (EC50 = 375 μg/mL) and anti-glycative activities were obtained for Fan1. Furthermore, potent inhibitory activity against Candida species was recorded with MIC values of 3.12-12.5 µg/mL. The oil content ranged from 5.4% in Fan2 to 7.6% in Akb1. The nutritional parameters of the tested cultivars were highly variable: crude protein (9.8-15.8%), ADF (acid detergent fiber 11.9-18.2%), NDF (neutral detergent fiber, 14.8-25.6%), and condensed tannins (1.74-2.86%). Finally, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside was considered an effective compound responsible for antioxidant and anti-glycative activities.

A Novel Edible Coating Produced from a Wheat Gluten, Pistacia vera L. Resin, and Essential Oil Blend: Antimicrobial Effects and Sensory Properties on Chicken Breast Fillets.

Antimicrobial edible coatings can eliminate the risk of pathogen contamination on the surface of poultry products during storage. In this study, an edible coating (EC) based on wheat gluten, Pistacia vera L. tree resin (PVR), and the essential oil (EO) of PVR was applied on chicken breast fillets (CBF) by a dipping method to prevent the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. The samples were packed in foam trays wrapped with low-density polyethylene stretch film and stored at 8 °C for 12 days to observe the antimicrobial effects and sensory properties. The total bacteria count (TBC), L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhimurium were recorded during storage. The samples coated with EC, containing 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% v/v EO (ECEO), showed significant decreases in microbial growth compared to the control samples. The growth of TBC, L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhimurium was suppressed by 4.6, 3.2, and 1.6 logs, respectively, at the end of 12 days on the samples coated with ECEO (2%) compared to the uncoated controls (p < 0.05). Coating with ECEO (2%) also preserved the appearance, smell, and general acceptance parameters better than uncoated raw chicken (p < 0.05) on the fifth day of storage. In grilled chicken samples, ECEO (2%) did not significantly change the appearance, smell, and texture (p > 0.05) but increased the taste and general acceptance scores. Therefore, ECEO (2%) can be a feasible and reliable alternative to preserve CBFs without adversely affecting their sensory properties.

Insight into the role of lactic acid bacteria in the development of a novel fermented pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) beverage

This study aimed to assess the fermentability of a pistachio-based beverage. The effects of lactic acid fermentation on the odor profile and the stability of the beverage were also assessed. To this end, a procedure for obtaining a pistachio beverage was developed, and the nutritional composition of the beverage was obtained. The beverage was characterized by a high content of fiber (2.9%), fat (4.6%), and protein (2%), and contained high amounts of K and Mg. For the experiment, 43 cultures of the following lactic acid bacteria were used: Companilactibacillus paralimentarius, Companilactibacillus kimchi, Levilactibacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillu pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, and Furfurilactobacillus rossiae. The cultures were evaluated for the following technological characteristics: i) growth and acidifying activity, ii) production of exopolysaccharides; iii) presence of histidine decarboxylase (hdcA) gene; iv) antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua. The cultures were used in model pistachio-based fermentations to assess their ability to grow and acidify. The odor profile of the beverage after 24 h fermentation was assessed using an electronic nose system (E-nose). The pistachio-based beverage resulted an optimal substrate for lactic acid bacteria that reached loads between 8 and 10 log CFU/mL and acidified the beverage to pH values between 4 and 5.5. In the beverage, viable counts of all cultures remained above 8 log CFU/mL after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. The E-nose analysis represented a valid screening method to evaluate the effects of the fermentative activity of microbial starters on the qualitative characteristics of this novel food matrix.

Carbon Adsorbents Obtained from Pistachio Nut Shells Used as Potential Ingredients of Drinking Water Filters.

Water resources are increasingly degraded due to the discharge of waste generated in municipal, industrial and agricultural areas. Therefore, the search for new materials enabling the effective treatment of drinking water and sewage is currently of great interest. This paper deals with the adsorption of organic and inorganic pollutants on the surface of carbonaceous adsorbents prepared by thermochemical conversion of common pistachio nut shells. The influence of the direct physical activation with CO2 and chemical activation with H3PO4 on parameters, such as elemental composition, textural parameters, acidic-basic character of the surface as well as electrokinetic properties of the prepared carbonaceous materials was checked. The suitability of the activated biocarbons prepared as the adsorbents of iodine, methylene blue and poly(acrylic acid) from the aqueous solutions was estimated. The sample obtained via chemical activation of the precursor turned out to be much more effective in terms of all the tested pollutants adsorption. Its maximum sorption capacity toward iodine was 1059 mg/g, whereas in relation to methylene blue and poly(acrylic acid) 183.1 mg/g and 207.9 mg/g was achieved, respectively. For both carbonaceous materials, a better fit to the experimental data was achieved with a Langmuir isotherm than a Freundlich one. It has also been shown that the efficiency of organic dye, and especially anionic polymer adsorption from aqueous solutions, is significantly affected by solution pH and temperature of the adsorbate-adsorbent system.

Green synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) from the skin (testa) of Pistacia vera L. (Siirt pistachio) and investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer potentials

Green synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) from the skin (testa) of Pistacia vera L. (Siirt pistachio) and investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer potentials

Topical Pistacia vera L. Seed Oil Preparation and Its Effects on Knee Osteoarthritis Through a Randomized Double-blind Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that globally affects the elderly, leading to pain and disability. Herbal medications and alternative therapies have demonstrated positive effects on arthritis management. Pistacia vera has traditionally been used for inflammatory conditions and has also shown antinociceptive effects. Objectives: Given the limited available scientific evidence, our randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the potential protective role of topical P. vera seed oil preparation in patients with knee OA. Methods: A total of 89 patients with knee OA (n = 89) were randomly allocated into three groups: Placebo, piroxicam, and P. vera. The topical formulations were administered twice daily over a period of three months. Pain level, patient health status, and performance were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The application of P. vera ointment demonstrated pain reduction in patients, as indicated by VAS and WOMAC assessments. Additionally, WOMAC scores showed that P. vera ointment alleviated motion stiffness and improved activity difficulties in patients (P &lt; 0.001). In certain parameters, the topical application of P. vera showed greater effectiveness in treating knee OA than piroxicam (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Pistacia vera ointment shows promise as a potential therapeutic option for osteoarthritis, effectively addressing the detrimental effects of the disease. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate its efficacy and safety profile.

Effects of Nutrition Interventions on Athletic Performance in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review.

More than 270 million participants and 128,893 professional players play soccer. Although UEFA recommendations for nutrition in elite football exist, implementing these guidelines among professional and semiprofessional soccer players remains suboptimal, emphasizing the need for targeted and individualized nutritional strategies to improve adherence to established recommendations. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trial registers. Inclusion criteria focused on professional or semiprofessional soccer players, nutrition or diet interventions, performance improvement outcomes, and randomized clinical trial study types. We assessed quality using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. We identified 16 eligible articles involving 310 participants. No nutritional interventions during the recovery period effectively improved recovery. However, several performance-based interventions showed positive effects, such as tart cherry supplementation, raw pistachio nut kernels, bicarbonate and mineral ingestion, creatine supplementation, betaine consumption, symbiotic supplements, and a high-carbohydrate diet. These interventions influenced various aspects of soccer performance, including endurance, speed, agility, strength, power, explosiveness, and anaerobic capacity. Specific strategies, such as solutions with bicarbonate and minerals, high carbohydrate diets, and supplements like creatine, betaine, and tart cherry, can enhance the performance of professional soccer players. These targeted nutritional interventions may help optimize performance and provide the competitive edge required in professional soccer. We did not find any dietary interventions that could enhance recovery.

Pistachio Male Inflorescences as an Alternative Substrate for the Application of Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxins are carcinogens mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in susceptible crops, including pistachio. The primary inoculum sources of these pathogens are plant debris in the orchard soils. In Californian fields, one approach to controlling aflatoxin contamination is based on releasing the atoxigenic strain of A. flavus AF36 in inoculated (coated) sorghum grains (AF36 Prevail). However, this control method can fail due to poor sporulation of the AF36 strain or sorghum grain losses due to predation. In 2008 and 2018, we showed that toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus spp. frequently colonized fallen inflorescences of male pistachio trees. Under controlled conditions, strain AF36 profusely colonized pistachio male inflorescences when humidity was higher than 90%. However, there were significant differences between types of inflorescence (aerial > fallen). In 2016, we considerably (P = 0.015) increased the population of AF36 on the canopies of trees when fallen inflorescences were inoculated with AF36, compared with untreated trees. In 2017 and 2018, these differences were not detected (P > 0.05) due to cross-contamination of strain AF36 between seasons and neighboring plots. In any case, the density of AF36 spores on the canopy of the inflorescence-treated trees was similar (P > 0.05) to that on trees treated with the commercial product. Here, we present a new method for applying strain AF36 based on using a natural, abundant, and uniformly distributed substrate in pistachio fields, and we discuss how it can be improved. Furthermore, our results indicate that, in pistachio orchards where biocontrol practices are not conducted, eliminating this important source of toxigenic Aspergillus inoculum is recommended.

A quantitative PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Septoria pistaciarum, the causal agent of pistachio leaf spot in Italy.

Septoria leaf spot is one of the most widespread diseases affecting pistachio (Pistacia vera) in countries of the Mediterranean region. Septoria pistaciarum was recently confirmed as the causal agent of this disease in Italy. Currently, the detection of S. pistaciarum relies on isolation techniques. These require significant amounts of labor, and time for completion. Also, a reliable identification requires the sequencing of at least two housekeeping genes, in addition to the morphological observations. To accurately detect the presence and quantify S. pistaciarum in pistachio tissues, a molecular tool was necessary. We designed applicable primers that allow reliable amplification of the β-tubulin gene. The amplification of target DNA was highly efficient, with a 100% success rate, and the assay was able to detect as little as 100 fg/rxn of pure fungal DNA. When tested in artificial mixtures of plant and pathogen DNAs, the assay was able to detect the pathogen consistently at a limit of detection of 1 pg/rxn. The assay was also effective in identifying the pathogen in naturally infected samples, providing rapid detection in all symptomatic specimens. The resulting qPCR assay is an improved detection tool for accurate diagnosis of S. pistaciarum that can also contribute to better understand the population dynamics of the pathogen in the orchard.

Immunometabolism Modulation by Extracts from Pistachio Stalks Formulated in Phospholipid Vesicles.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant extracts against various diseases, especially skin disorders; namely, they exhibit overall protective effects. The Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is known for having bioactive compounds that can effectively contribute to a person's healthy status. However, these benefits may be limited by the toxicity and low bioavailability often inherent in bioactive compounds. To overcome these problems, delivery systems, such as phospholipid vesicles, can be employed. In this study, an essential oil and a hydrolate were produced from P. vera stalks, which are usually discarded as waste. The extracts were characterized by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and formulated in phospholipid vesicles intended for skin application. Liposomes and transfersomes showed small size (<100 nm), negative charge (approximately -15 mV), and a longer storage stability for the latter. The entrapment efficiency was determined via the quantification of the major compounds identified in the extracts and was >80%. The immune-modulating activity of the extracts was assayed in macrophage cell cultures. Most interestingly, the formulation in transfersomes abolished the cytotoxicity of the essential oil while increasing its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators via the immunometabolic citrate pathway.

A new plant-based milk alternative of Pistacia vera geographically indicated in Türkiye: Antioxidant activity, in vitro bio-accessibility, and sensory characteristics

The plant-based food market is expanding and demand for novel plant-based milk alternatives is increasing. Compared to conventional milk, lower protein content, and lower sensory acceptance are some of the challenges of the plant-based milk alternative industry. This research aimed to develop novel plant-based milk from two different local pistachio varieties grown in Antep and Siirt, Türkiye that would be higher in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, and have superior taste and sensory characteristics. Protein content, fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, phenolic profile by high-pressure liquid chromatography, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometric method, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion along with sensory characteristics by quantitative descriptive test were evaluated. The protein contents of the prepared pistachio milk were 3.78% and 3.09% for Antep and Siirt varieties of pistachio milk, respectively. The most abundant fatty acid was oleic acid and the most abundant phenolic compounds were catechin and gallic acid. Moreover, the bio-accessibilities of total phenolic content were 201% and 213% and the bio-accessibility of total antioxidant activity was 200% and 205% for plant-based milk of Antep and Siirt pistachio, respectively. The overall sensory acceptance scores of the prepared pistachio milk were 5.6–7/10. These findings indicated that plant-based milk substitutes prepared from Antep and Siirt pistachio were higher in protein, had highly bio-accessible phenolic content, and overall accepted in terms of sensory except color challenges.

Purchase Behavior According to the Development of Sustainable Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Rice Cake: For Korean Consumers

In recent years, the rice cake market has grown considerably in terms of research and development of products suitable for consumer needs and beneficial to health at the same time. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of consumers consuming antioxidant-rich foods and immunity-boosting foods to improve health and promote healthy eating habits has increased. Pistachio rice cakes have been tested and found to be high in polyphenols, which have good antioxidant activity and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, research was conducted on pistachio rice cakes to develop safe, health functional, and sustainable food. In order to maximize the sales potential of pistachio rice cakes, a survey was conducted among Korean adults to investigate perception of pistachio, pistachio rice cake purchasing behavior, and popularization plans. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between pistachio perception, pistachio rice cake purchasing behavior, and pistachio rice cake popularization measures, and they were found to have a close relationship. In addition, as a result of multiple regression analysis, perception and purchasing behavior of pistachio rice cake products were found to have a significant positive (+) effect on rice cake technology development, development of brand specializing in rice cakes, and cultivation of traditional rice cake experts. This study suggests that continuous research and development of food safety and sustainability of rice cakes are required, and it is expected to be utilized as basic data to form a research basis that can be a strategy for increasing sales in the rice cake industry.

Believe It or 'Nut': Why It Is Time to Set the Record Straight on Nut Protein Quality: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Focus.

There are growing public health movements to transition towards diets that are plant-based. However, confusion exists with concerns that plant-based proteins (including nuts) may be inferior with respect to protein quality. The present publication evaluates the evolution of protein quality concepts and explains the protein science related to pistachios. Pistachio nuts are a plant-based complete protein providing all nine EAAs in addition to an array of nutrients and phytochemicals. They have a PDCAAS of 73 and 81%, (raw and roasted pistachios, respectively), higher than that of many other tree nuts. From an environmental perspective transitioning towards plant-based diets (including nuts) could have potential to reduce total/green water footprints. Dietary guidelines are evolving yet nuts such as pistachios do not always have a clear place within these. Now appears to be a pertinent time to look at protein quality from the perspective of whole daily diets and dietary patterns, factoring in both health and environmental outcomes. Given updated modes of thinking, nuts such as pistachios have an important role to play in terms of providing ready-to-eat, good-quality, plant-based protein within daily diets.

The Effect of the Shape of Water Distribution Bed Irrigation on Nutritional Balance Status and Water Productivity of Pistachio Trees

The Effect of the Shape of Water Distribution Bed Irrigation on Nutritional Balance Status and Water Productivity of Pistachio Trees

Study of volatile compounds in Greek pistachio (Pistacia vera L. ‘Aegina’ cultivar) oils using Soxhlet and ultrasound assisted extraction

Headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) represents the most used solvent-free methodology for the characterization of the complex and heterogeneous mix of volatile compounds. The present study investigates the differences in volatile profile of pistachio oils ‘Aegina’ cultivar extracted with two different techniques, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and Soxhlet. Differences were observed both in the pistachio oil yield and the composition of the volatile compounds among these two groups of samples, which were significantly influenced due to the different thermal conditions. In terms of pistachio oil yield, the Soxhlet extraction technique was proven more efficient (52.5–68.2% w/w) than the UAE type (28.2–42.6% w/w). A total of 34 and 30 volatile compounds were identified for UAE and Soxhlet, respectively. The main ones associated with UAE were α-pinene, octane and decane, while the volatiles formed as a consequence of Soxhlet extraction were decane, nonanal and (E)-2-decenal. Terpenes' concentrations were found decreased in Soxhlet's samples, but hydrocarbons and aldehydes were significantly increased in these samples. Numerous studies concluded in common results. However, this article is the first to explore the influence of different extraction types on the volatile profile of the unique flavour and odor pistachio oil ‘Aegina’ cultivar.