Nuts, Seeds & Pastes

Pistachio Paste 100% in gelato

Pistachio Paste 100% is pure roasted pistachios ground to a smooth paste, with no added sugar, oil, or emulsifiers. In gelato it is the primary flavor and fat carrier of pistachio recipes, contributing rich nut fat and a small amount of natural sucrose.

Balancing parameters

Per 100 g of product, verified against independent food-science sources (listed below).

ParameterValue
Total Solids97%
Water3%
Sugars7.6%
Fat46%
MSNF0%
Protein20%
POD (sweetening power)7.6
PAC (anti-freezing power)7.6

Typical use: 6-12% of the mix (about 60-120 g per kg), depending on desired intensity

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How to use it in gelato

Disperse the paste into the warm mix before aging so its oils emulsify evenly. Because it is roughly 46% fat, it raises total mix fat sharply, so trim cream or other fats by 1-2 points to stay on target. Its sugars are almost entirely sucrose (about 7-8 g/100 g), so it adds little sweetening power (POD) and only a small anti-freezing effect (PAC); freezing point and firmness are driven mainly by its high fat, which hardens the finished gelato. Balance PAC with your added sugars, using some dextrose or invert to keep the fat-rich mix scoopable, and a trace of salt to sharpen the nutty note.

Origin & background

Pistachios (Pistacia vera) are among the oldest cultivated nuts, with archaeological evidence of use in the Middle East dating back thousands of years. In Italy the benchmark for gelato is the Pistacchio Verde di Bronte DOP, grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily and protected by an EU Denomination of Origin; its prized green kernels are often called 'green gold.' Grinding roasted pistachios into a pure paste concentrates their flavor and oils for confectionery and frozen desserts.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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