Pistachio paste vs Pistachio butter

pistachio paste vs pistachio butter are luxury pistachio products made from pistachio kernels. The way they are made is similar so they might be mistakenly considered one product, but they are not. The identification becomes complex with pistachio cream. They have slight and major differences but when shopping, you may oftentimes be given one in place of the other. This article may help with making an informed decision.

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What Is Pistachio Paste?

Pistachio paste is a thick, smooth paste made by grinding pistachios. It is 100% pure and depending on the type of pistachios used, it can change from green to brown. As it is made only from pistachios, pistachio paste tastes exactly like pistachio kernels with earthy aftertaste. To make pistachio paste, you have to push the grinder all the way to create smooth, homogeneous consistency that can pass through a fine sieve. The natural green or brown color of pistachio paste is a selling point. You don’t want to taint it with food colorings. 

What Is Pistachio Butter?

Pistachio butter is a spreadable puree made by grinding pistachios into a non-homogeneous consistency similar to peanut butter or almond butter. It is also 100% pure pistachio. One way to remember its difference with pistachio paste is that it is less ground and has a coarse texture.

What Is Pistachio Cream?

Pistachio cream is a sweetened and flavored version of pistachio paste, typically sweetened with sugar or honey. It is often supplemented with other additives such as almond, oil, and cardamom. It is not as smooth as pistachio paste but more homogeneous than pistachio butter. It is helpful to remember that pistachio cream is not pure and it contains pistachio paste as the base.

How Is Pistachio Paste Different From Pistachio Butter And Cream?

Putting it all together, pistachio paste vs pistachio butter are both made from shelled pistachios. The finished products look different because the paste is fine and is further refined to make it smoother. Pistachio paste and pistachio butter are 100% pure pistachio though they have different textures. 
Sometimes manufacturers advertise pistachio butter as pistachio paste, or chefs end up with pistachio butter when they aim for pistachio paste.  Sometimes, homemade pistachio butter is mistakenly called “pistachio paste”, and we hope this article clarifies the difference. Pistachio cream is not pure but contains pistachio paste as the base.  

Can You Use Pistachio Paste Vs Pistachio Butter And Cream Interchangeably?

Pistachio paste vs pistachio butter can be used interchangeably because they are pure although texturally different. Their applications may differ from each other and that of pistachio cream. 

Pistachio paste and butter may not be eaten plain as they have a strong taste and smell and are usually expensive. However, pistachio paste is more functional and is commonly used in baking and pastry to add flavor and texture to cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It can also be used as a filling for chocolates, truffles, and other confections. Pistachio butter is commonly used as a spread over food or as a dip. Pistachio cream is used the same way we use almond cream or butter.

Pistachio paste is more preferable than pistachio butter for flavoring baked goods, ice cream, gelato, jams, pastries, and cakes. It is also used in gourmet cooking. There are various pistachio paste recipes to enjoy this gluten-free ingredient. The number of vegan consumers is growing exponentially. So, you can enjoy pistachio paste in vegan diets, too? It gives a rich pistachio flavor to every meal and dessert. 

⭕ If you are using pistachio paste for flavoring ice cream, buttercream, or pastry filling, you should always find the best one. Many so-called pistachio butters or pastes are not 100% pure pistachio. They are manufactured from bitter almond paste combined with green food coloring. If you use them, they will make your desserts have the perfect pistachio hue but lack that nutty pistachio taste.

How Long Does Pistachio Paste and Butter Last?

Pistachio paste vs pistachio butter are made to be used fresh with your desserts, cooked, and drinks. As they are made with no additives, pistachio paste and butter are better to be consumed within the “use by” date or expiration date. The “use by” date determines the peaks of freshness. If stored in favorable conditions such as dry and cool places away from sunlight, they may last longer. The best by date determines the peak potency, and may not often mean expiration. They start to lose their potency after this date.

How to Use Pistachio Paste vs Butter?

The pistachio butter can be eaten as a spread on meals or as a dip. They are both delicious in their own ways. 

Pistachio paste is very popular for its application in flavoring baked goods, ice cream, gelato, jams, pastries, and cakes. It is also used in gourmet cooking. The natural freshness is brought out more in the pistachio paste. It gives a rich pistachio flavor to every meal and dessert.

If you are using pistachio paste for flavoring ice cream, buttercream, or pastry filling, you should always find the best one. Many so-called pistachio butters or pastes are not 100% pure pistachio. They are manufactured from bitter almond paste combined with green food coloring. If you use them, they will make your desserts have the perfect pistachio hue but lack that nutty pistachio taste.

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Conclusion

This article explained the similarities and differences between pistachio paste vs pistachio butter. They are versatile pistachio ingredients made from pistachio kernels in the same process. But they need different amounts of work. They also have different applications and uses.
Pistachio paste is usually used in flavoring baked goods, gelato, ice cream, confections, pastries, or in gourmet cooking. Pistachio butter is commonly used as a spread over food or as a dip.
Do you have any experience with pistachio paste and butter? What did you use them for? How did it go?
Write about your experience in the comment section below?

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