The answer is yes, but not in the way most people expect. The pistachio fruit itself, which is technically a drupe, is discarded. The part we eat is the seed inside the shell.
Here's a breakdown:
Understanding Pistachios as Drupes
- What is a Drupe? A drupe is a fleshy fruit that contains a single seed enclosed in a hard shell, for example, peaches, cherries and apricots.
- Pistachio's Unique Situation: The pistachio (Pistacia vera) is also a drupe, but unlike other drupes, we typically discard the fleshy outer part. According to the reference, "With pistachios we discard the fruit flesh for the tasty seed within."
- Edible Parts of a Pistachio:
- Fleshy Fruit (Pericarp): This part is discarded, and it is not commonly consumed. It is the same as the flesh of a peach.
- Seed (the 'Nut'): This is the edible part we consume, commonly called the "pistachio nut." This seed is enclosed in a hard shell, which is what we crack open to access the seed.
Table Summarizing Edible Parts
| Part of the Pistachio | Type | Typically Edible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleshy Outer Part | Fruit/Drupe | No | Discarded; not usually consumed. |
| Shell | Hard layer | No | Removed before consumption. |
| Seed | Seed | Yes | The part we eat, often referred to as the "nut". |
Key Takeaway
While technically a fruit (drupe), the fleshy part of the pistachio is not typically consumed. The edible part of the pistachio that people eat is the seed within the shell, often referred to as the pistachio "nut." This is contrary to how we consume other drupes like peaches or cherries, where we eat the fleshy part and discard the seed/stone.
