Infusion of dates and pistachios

A soft drink, like sweet dates, and tantalizing like pistachios. This combination gives an intense and full-bodied flavor, enhanced by the almond while the final note of the rose petals fades towards sweetness. The date and pistachio infusion releases the maximum warm taste, enveloping even in the aromas. Perfect to accompany desserts, it can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Infusion of dates and pistachios: properties and benefits

Taking this infusion takes a refreshing moment for our body and useful substances for well-being. Dates are rich in potassium, iron and antioxidants, which help counteract throat and respiratory tract irritation. In addition, they are useful against bad digestion to soothe the intestines. The flavonoids contained can reduce irritation and promote correct food transit. Often immersed in water they have been used as remedies in case of constipation, with a purifying action on the gastrointestinal system. Given its richness in minerals, the date can help replenish minerals and hydration, in the form of an infusion. As a natural remineralizer, date infusion is excellent for those who practice sports or need mineral salts. The potassium content also brings benefits to the nervous system, in combination with the pistachio which releases elements such as magnesium and vitamin B6 - essential for some functions of the nervous system.

The pistachio joins the dates with its other nutritional properties: vitamin B1, copper, antioxidants for the well-being of eyesight. The date and pistachio infusion is also a support for those who follow a diet, as dried fruit is excellent for giving flavor and texture to the drink - ideal for promoting a sense of satiety. This delicate infusion but with the brusque notes of dried fruit can become a pleasure even after sipping it. Ingredients such as almonds, dates and pistachios can also be eaten after drinking.

Origins and History of cultivation

The herbal tea blend has several natural elements. The date comes from the palm of the same name, one of the oldest plants cultivated by man. It is native to Mesopotamia, and 5,000 years ago it spread to all the desert countries of the East and Africa. To date, the date palm is grown in many tropical regions of the world. Date palms possess nutritional qualities, giving dates, and symbolic since they can live up to 100 years. The ancient Romans used dates to flavor wine, prepare desserts and produce alcoholic beverages through fermentation. The date has become increasingly popular in the last century, and is sold dried – you can recognize it by its wrinkled skin (smooth skin indicates that the dates are fresh). It was also eaten dry in ancient times, and its name derives from the Greek daktilos (finger) from its typical shape. Even the pistachio is a food consumed for millennia, and archaeological evidence dates back to about 8,000 years ago. Even in the legend of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in 700 BC, pistachio trees are mentioned and pistachios are also mentioned in the Old Testament. In ancient Rome they were considered valuable foods, cited from the 1st century AD as coming from Syria. From here they spread throughout the Mediterranean and along the entire Silk Road, being easily transportable due to their long conservation. In Italy, the large and historic crops are in Sicily. Over the centuries, pistachio seeds have been used to flavor desserts, sauces, as colorants and for their nutritional value. They can be eaten fresh or toasted.

Plant and flowers

To create this infusion, several ingredients have been used: dates, pistachios, almonds, rose petals. The date palm is the Phoenix dactylifera plant of the Arecaceae (Palmae) family. Its roots are well developed in depth, to recover water in the driest territories, and it can reach heights of up to 30 metres. Dates are the berries of the palm tree and come from large clusters of red fruits, which turn brown when ripe. The fruits are born only after the eighth year of life of the palm, which reaches full maturity after thirty. Depending on the variety, fresh dates have different sizes and a color from bright red to yellow. The commonly consumed varieties are Medjool and Deglet Noor dates. The pistachio comes from the Pistacia vera plant, a small tree of the Anacardiaceae family. It has very extensive branches, but rarely exceeds 9 meters in height. Pistachios are edible seeds, derived from the fruit of the whitish drupe, which grow in clusters. With the maturation the fruits - nuts tend to divide without releasing the seed. Under the shell they show a greenish stone, enclosed in a thin adherent reddish peel. Once the kernels are shelled and peeled, they give the pistachio, with a pleasant flavor. The plant is grown in arid soils, growing in warm or temperate climates. The Rose is a perennial plant of the Rosaceae family, which has spread from Asia in hundreds of species and thousands of cultivars. It can appear in the form of erect, climbing shrubs, such as prickly rose or not. The fragrant and colorful flowers change in shape, size and color from white to yellow and deep, dark red. Almond seeds derive from the Prunus dulcis tree, of the Rosaceae family. Originally from Asia, the almond tree is grown in Mediterranean climates and in California. The plant reaches a height of up to 3-4 meters, and produces beautiful light pink or white flowers. The fruit is a drupe which, when ripe, opens the outer covering and releases the stone. Almonds, therefore, are seeds enclosed in a hard fruit. The seeds of the sweet almond tree (Prunus dulcis variety dulcis) are edible as dried fruit, as a source of oil or almond flour.

Nutritional values of date and pistachio infusion

The main active ingredients released are given by minerals, vitamins and fibers. In particular, the ingredients provide potassium, magnesium, vitamins B1 and B6.

How to prepare the infusion

The infusion is obtained by placing in a cup (250 ml), about 3-5 grams of the mixture of dates and pistachios, with water at 100 °C. Leave to infuse for 10 to 12 minutes before drinking. Add honey or sugar, if desired.

Infusion of dates and pistachios: side effects and contraindications

It is important not to consume too much or take the infusion for too long periods. Excessive intake can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain and headache. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women.