Hi Andreea Pojar
Currently, we don’t have the option to specify the brands of ingredients that chefs use. This is mainly to ensure that the recipes aren’t limited to just one brand. Otherwise, only a small group of students who have access to those exact brands would be able to prepare the recipe. That’s why we don’t mention specific brands unless the chef suggests it.
For the tips on choosing a good pistachio paste:
To choose a good pistachio paste, here are some key tips:
1. Ingredients: Check the label and make sure the only or main ingredient is 100% pistachios. High-quality pastes shouldn’t contain added oils, sugars, colorings, or preservatives. Avoid those with a long list of ingredients.
2. Color: High-quality pistachio paste has an intense but natural green color. Avoid pastes that are a bright green, as they might contain artificial coloring.
3. Texture: It should be smooth and homogeneous, without lumps or a separated layer of oil. If the paste has a gritty texture or is overly oily, it might indicate lower quality.
4. Aroma and Flavor: The aroma should be fresh and have a strong pistachio scent, without any hint of bitterness or rancidity. When tasting it, it should have a pure pistachio flavor, with no strange or overly sweet tastes.
5. Origin: Italian pistachio pastes, especially those from Sicily, are highly regarded for their quality. This doesn’t mean other regions can’t produce good pastes, but reputation and tradition play an important role.
6. Price: High-quality pistachio paste tends to be more expensive due to the large quantity of pistachios needed to produce it. If you find a paste at a very low price, it’s likely mixed with other lower-quality ingredients or oils.
7. Reputable Brands: Choose brands with a good reputation in the market. They tend to maintain a consistent quality standard.
By following these criteria, you’ll be able to select a high-quality pistachio paste that will enhance your creations with the authentic taste of pistachio.
Greetings.