São Paulo is rolling out the green carpet this February 26 as it celebrates World Pistachio Day, marking the occasion with enticing offerings from some of the city’s culinary hotspots. While the celebration honors the much-loved nut and its versatility, it also showcases remarkable innovations and flavors across multiple eateries.
Bacio di Latte, the renowned gelateria founded in São Paulo, plays a leading role this year as it prepares to distribute 5,000 free servings of its latest creation, the Ciocchino Pistacchio. This delightful ice cream features creamy pistachio gelato served within charming cones, topped with more pistachio cream and filling. The event is set to take place from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Shopping Top Center, located on Avenida Paulista, promising sweet indulgence for all guests.
Meanwhile, the Flakes confectionery is causing quite the buzz with its own celebratory action, distributing 7,000 brigadeiros—Brazilian chocolate truffles—made with Californian pistachio paste, entirely free of charge. Customers can visit either of Flakes' locations, one situated at Itaim Bibi and another at Brooklin, starting at 11:30 AM until they run out of stock. Leonardo Borges, the visionary chef behind Flakes, noted, "We will distribute 7,000 brigadeiros made from Californian pistachio paste for free to our customers, celebrating this special day together!"
The waves of pistachio excitement don't stop there. Throughout São Paulo, various dining establishments are joining the movement to offer enticing menu items featuring pistachios. For example, at Così, you can savor their impressive Risotto de Pistache com Crudo de Vieiras e Ovas de Mujol for R$142, showcasing the nut's adaptability beyond sweet desserts.
Likewise, Temperani Cucina presents dishes where pistachio takes center stage, including the Burrata, Limoncello e Pistacchio, and pizzas topped with delicious cornerstones like pistachios and mortadella. This culinary trend highlights pistachio's natural aqua green hue and nutrient profile, which chefs are eager to incorporate through various flavors and preparations.
Pistachios are not just trending but also have health benefits to boast about. They are rich in fibers, antioxidants, and contain minerals such as potassium, making them not only delicious but nutritious. The nut has become increasingly popular, stimulating demand and ensuring rising import rates for this green delight. Over the past few years, the import volume of pistachios to Brazil has exploded, illustrating the nut’s ascent on the local food scene.
On this day, participation is not limited to just gelaterias and confectioneries. Other gourmet restaurants across São Paulo are incorporating the pistachio’s unique flavor profile as well, solidifying its place at the table. Each restaurant is working to innovate or refresh traditional dishes with this flavorful nut, ensuring there’s something for everyone from salads to desserts.
Visitors to the capital on this world celebration of all things pistachio can plan to stop by MII Rooftop, where they can enjoy refreshing salads featuring the nut, or savor delectable desserts such as Chocolate Baklava with gelato infused with pistachio. Every corner of São Paulo is bursting with creativity, proving just how versatile and popular this nut has become.
Finally, October might seem far away, but for local producers and researchers, plans are underway for pistachio cultivation within Brazil, particularly within the Serra da Ibiapaba region. The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) is enthusiastic about these efforts, aiming to introduce locally produced pistachios starting as early as 2027, which could reshape local consumption patterns dramatically.
So, whether you're indulging with free treats or trying inventive dishes, World Pistachio Day presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate this remarkable nut. With the joyous culinary innovations around São Paulo and beyond, it’s evident why pistachios continue to garner admiration and popularity. Don’t miss these tasty experiences and celebrate along with the thriving local food culture!