American Pistachios Growers (APG) organizes a Virtual Harvest Tour and Cook-along with celebrated Chef Amanda Freitag and Mixologist Charlotte Voisey
Pune (P&V news service):- Adding a dash of taste and health to the festivities, American Pistachio Growers (APG) hosted a virtual Cook-along with celebrated American Chef Amanda Freitag as she prepared delectable dishes using California grown pistachios. She was joined by award winning mixologist and TV personality Charlotte Voisey who stirred up a few original cocktails with a pistachio twist! The event was hosted by famous Hollywood personality Billy Harris and was joined by food lovers and media personalities from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, celebrated chef and author Amanda Freitag remarked, “I am truly delighted and excited to use California grown pistachios in my recipes as they are tasty, nutritious and crunchy. They enhance the taste, flavor and give me a huge opportunity to innovate and decorate the dishes. Today I cooked and demonstrated two unique dishes — Beet Salad Pistachio Vinaigrette and Lamb Meatballs Pistachio Pesto which have come out very flavourful, tasty and are wholesome. Pistachio is a super food and I am all for it for its nutrition and taste.”
Charlotte Voisey whipped up a lovely Raspberry Pistachio Collins drink. This innovative use of California grown pistachios, truly vowed the Indian food enthusiasts who had tuned in.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Judy Hirigoyen, Vice President, Global Marketing of APG said, “We are happy to see that India is a growing market for American pistachios. The volume of American pistachio exports to India is growing steadily as more Indian consumers are getting aware of the health benefits of these amazing nuts. American grown pistachios with its nutrient dense properties is a robust nutritional package in itself – a powerhouse of protein, antioxidants, essential amino acids, fiber, vitamin and potassium etc.
In fact only recently, American pistachios were declared as a Complete Protein which implies that these pistachios will have the same benefits that one would typically find from animal protein sources. American pistachios are also great for diabetics and pre-diabetics.”
The session was also addressed by Mr. Kable Munger, one of the largest growers and processors of pistachios in California. The Munger family like many others migrated to the US from India many decades ago. He mentioned that today many people of Indian origin are involved in the growing of pistachios in California and he is happy to see the robust demand for these healthy nuts in the land of his forefathers. “This unique connection between India and the US is only going to strengthen, Mr. Munger remarked.”
Commenting on the session, Mr. Sumit Saran, India Representative of American Pistachio Growers said that “India does not produce any Pistachios. Traditionally pistachios in India were only used for garnishing but we now see more and more consumers look towards American pistachios as a healthy, anytime guilt free snack. People are always looking at plant-based protein sources and American pistachios fit right in, he added.”
