Steeped in generations of tradition. Influenced by the mineral-rich slopes of Mt. Etna. Dry farmed, cropped low, and hand harvested. Coveted around the world for unrivaled flavor. No, we’re not talking about the world-class, terroir-driven wines of Sicily. We’re talking nuts. Bronte pistachios, to be exact.
These emerald beauties are smaller, sweeter, and richer than standard pistachios. The secret to their flavor? Bronte pistachios are grown in the nutrient-rich, volcanic soil of Mount Etna to D.O.P standards that rival those of the region’s viticulture.
Centered around the town of Bronte in eastern Sicily, about 25 miles west from the heart of Mt. Etna, the pistachio trees grow on 3,000 hectares. Eruptions from the still active volcano have created a topsoil dense in mineral-rich lava stone, ideal for growing nutrient-demanding crops such as nuts. The trees are never fertilized or irrigated.
The green gold pistachios are harvested once every two years in odd years. During off years, the trees are pruned to reduce yields and concentrate flavor. Each pistachio tree yields just a few kilograms of nuts.
Despite accounting for less than 1% of the world’s pistachio production, Bronte pistachios have attracted global attention. Unfortunately, not all of it wanted. Local pistachio producers have asked the carabinieri to safeguard the fall harvest from the growing activity of nut thieves.
Step aside Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and San Marzano tomatoes. The pistacchio verde di Bronte is one of Italy’s rarest and most prized exports. This precious nut has charmed the world’s top chefs and home gourmands alike. Continually rated as one of the best tasting pistachios in the world, Bronte nuts have been featured on menus across the globe. Roasted and tossed in a goat cheese and beet salad, candied and served alongside foie gras, blended into a basil-pistachio pesto, or mixed into creamy gelato, the uses of the Sicilian pistachio are as varied as they are many.
The first thing you notice is the color. The electric greens and bursts of vibrant purples tease the promise of concentrated flavor. Bronte nuts are sweet, savory, and earthy. They retain more oil than standard pistachios which prevents overdrying. With an unrivaled freshness and vivaciousness, it’s easy to understand their lofty position as one of the best pistachios in the world.
Perfect for snacking on their own, but versatile enough to fold into your favorite recipe. These are gourmet pistachios. An Italian treasure you can’t miss!
Low production and high demand make them difficult to find. Lucky for you, we have Bronte pistachios for sale, sourced from one of the premier nut producers in Italy - Pariani.
Buy Sicilian Pistachios: Pariani Roasted Whole Nuts Sicilian Pistachios with Himalayan Pink Salt (1.8oz)
